As A Community Builder, James Wildish Lived with Compassion and Touched Many Lives
EUGENE, Ore., Jan 28, 2021 – James Wildish built communities, whether it was infrastructure, giving his time to countless projects, making sure young people had every chance for success or just listening. His passing on January 24 at age 89 touches every part of our community.
He left his mark as a man who cares deeply – for his family, his employees and his community. Never one to step into the limelight, he preferred to roll up his sleeves and get to work. He liked making things happen. His steady, humble determination earned the respect and admiration of competitors, as well as all who knew him. If you ever met Jim, you were a friend.
Jim lived in Eugene virtually his entire life, coming here with his family in 1934. His father, Thomas C. Wildish, established a trucking company the following year and it has grown to become the Wildish Land Co. and its related companies, employing some 350 people throughout the Northwest.
Wildish became the company’s President/CEO in 1991 and took great pride when the company received OSU’s 1996 Austin Family Business of the Year Award. Yet, he relished even more the national, state and regional awards for safety because they reflected employees’ attention to detail on the worksite and on keeping each other safe. He was very proud of the two 1st place Associated General Contractors of America national awards the company received for its safety practices.
He treated employees like family and his influence helped many to stretch and become more than they thought possible. Whether it was seeing potential in a new hire and inspiring them to grow in responsibility or asking about their family, Jim demonstrated how much he valued the people he worked with every day.
He learned the family business from the ground up, running a loader in the yard at age 18. He enjoyed all aspects of the company and led its growth and prosperity with humility and determination. A recognized industry leader, he received lifetime achievement awards from Associated General Contractors of Oregon (Sir Award in 2008), Asphalt Pavement Association of Oregon (2016) and from the Oregon Concrete & Aggregate Producers Association (2018).
Standing tall among Oregon’s business leaders, Jim was recognized for his leadership as Eugene’s First Citizen in 2004, named Springfield’s Distinguished Citizen in 2009 and served on the US Bank Community Board for a decade. He received the 2012 Ethics in Business Award from Oregon Ethics in Business, as well as the Exemplary Ethical Leader Award from Bushnell University in 2013.
His community service touched well over 100 nonprofit organizations over his lifetime. He didn’t seek leadership positions, but his steady and dedicated presence saw him recognized in this sector, too. Jim didn’t just donate to causes he supported, he also willingly gave his time and energy.
His service to the Oregon Trail Council of the Boy Scouts goes back to 1963 when he was a Cub Master and since the late seventies he’s sat on its Executive Board. He was also recognized with the Silver Beaver Award in 1987 and the Oregon Trail President’s Award in 1995.
A loyal Rotarian, Jim gave countless hours of time to many Delta Rotary projects, including the Owen Rose Garden, ShelterBox, Delta Ponds, helping launch Looking Glass’ Station 7, and the annual Boy Scout canned food drive. In 2011, he received the Cliff Dochtermann Award for dedicated service to scouting from the International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians. He was also honored with the Eldon G. Schafer/Nils B. Hult Humanitarian Award in 2004 from the Rotary Club of Eugene.
Jim served on numerous boards over the years, including Jaycees, Junior Achievement of Lane County, Goodwill Industries of Lane County, United Way of Lane County among many.
Through KIDSPORTS, Jim contributed to ensure that youth had a wide of array of activities to keep them active and healthy. He was a coach and volunteer, led building a baseball field at Adams Elementary, and was involved in the Civic Park project. The company was a long-time supporter, sponsoring the flag football season for decades, as well as underwriting teams.
Performing arts also held a special place in his heart. Local organizations recognized his support. He and his wife, Yvonne, received the James and Yvonne Wildish Award in 2019 from Chamber Music Amici. This inaugural award was named after them for “Supporting Amici and our Community.” In 2013, he was honored with Silver Baton Award from the Oregon Bach Festival. The company received the Eugene Symphony’s Advocate for the Arts Award in 2010. Closest to his heart, Jim and his family helped launch the building of the Richard E. Wildish Community Theatre in Springfield, dedicated to his brother.
Turning to family, Jim and Yvonne celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary last year. They have two sons, Mike and Steve; both work in the family business. Family was always important to Jim, and anyone who visited his office could tell from the countless photos on the walls.
Described as a hero, a man of deep integrity, a tireless community leader, Jim was known for being gracious, ethical, and generous. He made everyone who knew him feel important, and his door was always open. Many are better because Jim walked this earth and cared about them.
Reflections From Those Who Knew Him Well
Greg Erwin, CEO, Sapient Private Wealth Management, and co-chair Oregon21 Steering Committee
A hero is defined as a person who, in the opinion of others, has special achievements, abilities, or personal qualities and is regarded as a role model or ideal. Someone I consider to be one of my personal heroes is Jim Wildish.
Jim was the rare individual who was able to balance being a dedicated family man, a conscientious and successful businessman, a tireless community leader, and an extraordinarily kind and generous human being. You might say…“ideal.”
I believe I am a better man for having had the privilege of knowing him.
Steve Hanson, Bonding Agent, Ward Insurance
Jim’s business and civic leadership is an example of how leaders should conduct themselves and run their businesses and his personal comportment inspired many of us to try to live our lives as respectably as he lived his. It is refreshing to have had a leader like Jim who lived in a dignified way, showing respect for others, and who did so with both compassion and with humor.
Jim was one of the most humble, down-to-earth “good folks” I’ve ever had the honor and pleasure of calling a friend.
Mike Hartwig, Delta Rotarian
My fondest memory of working with Jim on a Rotary project was laying the paver stones at the Owen Rose Garden when the pergola path was put in. Jim not only provided the sand and pavers, but he was also on his knees installing them. What an example he is! One can learn a lot spending a day on hands and knees with another person. In his later years, Jim was still active with this project. He was the guy who was there early with the coffee and donuts.
John Hickey | Executive Director, Asphalt Pavement Association of Oregon
Jim helped build a highly successful company while maintaining the respect of his employees, clients, and competitors. I work with industry leaders from many different companies and it is telling that whenever Jim was present or simply mentioned, someone would say something positive about his integrity – and there would be universal agreement. I suspect that most people think about Jim in the exact same way – hard working, authentic, smart, and humble. That consistency and positivity are rare and inspiring.
Randy Hledik, retired General Services Director, Wildish Land Co.
Jim was passionate about his family and his family’s business, and compassionate toward his employees and our community.
Although Jim was unquestionably a Duck fan, he found ways to keep the peace with all of us Beavers in the company. For example, when Wildish crews reconstructed the football field at Autzen stadium, a salvaged goal post was erected by the office parking lot. Shortly after, Jim placed a large beaver appropriately carved out of a log next to it!
In short, Jim was a caring, decent man who enjoyed what he did, and was grateful for all of the good things that resulted from honest, hard work. He always made it a point to celebrate successes with those around him – and there were many. We’ve all lost an exceptional friend.
Scott Impecoven, Scout Executive, Oregon Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America
For 58 years, Jim Wildish gave his time and talents to the Boy Scouts of America. No organization could have a more devoted or engaged volunteer than Jim Wildish. Jim Wildish loved the Boy Scouts. He loved its values, its commitment to service and the character building provided to boys and young men and now to girls and young women. Jim lived his life as a good Scout should.
The Scout Oath begins by saying, “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country to obey the Scout Law; to help people at all times.” Helping people – that was Jim. I don’t know anyone who lived their life more in accord with the 12 points of the Scout Law. It begins with “A Scout is Trustworthy.” Jim always told the truth and kept promises. People knew they could depend on him. “A Scout is helpful,” which Jim was and he never expected anything in return. The remaining points of the Scout Law, “A Scout is loyal, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent,” all describe Jim. In fact, thinking of Jim, it would seem that the Scout Law was written to describe him.
Jim was continuously involved in the fundraising activities of the Oregon Trail Council, BSA for over 45 years until his death. In this, he had no equal. Jim knew that a strong organization had to be fiscally sound. Jim’s leadership included involving the resources of the Wildish Companies to assist with Boy Scout fundraising. Starting in their early twenties, his sons, Mike and Steve, assisted their Dad with the Friends of Scouting Campaign. Jim reached into his company and had up to a dozen Wildish people at a time raising money for the Oregon Trail Council. It wasn’t enough for Jim to just be involved, he was all in. The Oregon Trail Council, BSA will forever be grateful for Jim Wildish. He was one of a kind. He will be dearly missed.
Jim was not a Scout as a boy. He regretted this but he didn’t dwell on it. Life came full circle for Jim when he witnessed his grandson, Geoffrey, receiving his Eagle Award. He talked about it often. In his office, Jim displayed a picture of himself with his dear wife Yvonne and Geoffrey at Geoffrey’s Eagle ceremony. It was one of Jim’s proudest moments.
Kim Meyers, President Delta Rotary
This last December our club awarded Jim with the Quiet Rotarian award. I saw this award, and immediately thought of Jim. He is so generous, but not boastful. He helps from behind the scenes. Delta was a major supporter of ShelterBox. Every year we had a booth at the Good Earth Home Show. Our goal was to raise $10,000 that was then matched by the show sponsor. Any year we were short, Jim would step up to make sure we made our goal.
Bev Smith, Executive Director, KIDSPORTS
He listened intently and with an encouraging smile and engaging wit, asked good questions and then found ways to answer those questions with generous actions and good deeds. His kindness, honesty, integrity, care and consideration for his family and community was genuine to the core and his example has helped us all to become better people, and our community a better place.
Jeanne Staton, Staton Companies
When I think of Jim, I remember one of the very first jobs, some 50 years ago. It was a job for the City and we were a sub with Wildish. It didn’t go well. Jim told us that we had a case for a change order. We had no idea where to begin. He guided us through and ended up coming with us to the City to plead our case. As I recall, he did all the negotiating for us and convinced them to award us more money. We listened carefully and learned a lifelong lesson.
Scott Williams, Chairman, Hamilton Construction
When Jim spoke, people listened because what he had to say mattered. I have the utmost respect for how he ran his company, treated his employees and gave back to the community. Hamilton and Wildish partnered on several projects and often we did business on a handshake. Jim’s word was his bond, and he never broke it.
