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 Jan. 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 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 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. He relished the national, state and regional awards for safety because they reflected employees’ attention to detail and on keeping each other safe. He was proud of the two first-place Associated General Contractors of America national awards the company received for safety.
He treated employees like family and his influence helped many to stretch and become more than they thought possible.
He learned the family business from the ground up. He enjoyed all aspects of the company and led its growth and prosperity with humility and determination. An 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 U.S. 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 Rotarian, Jim gave countless hours to 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, and United Way of Lane County, among many.
Through KIDSPORTS, Jim supported a wide array of activities to keep children active and healthy. Performing arts also held a special place in his heart. He and his wife received the James and Yvonne Wildish Award in 2019 from Chamber Music Amici. This inaugural award was named after them. Closest to his heart, Jim and his family helped launch the Richard E. Wildish Community Theatre in Springfield, dedicated to his brother.
Jim and Yvonne celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary last year. They have two sons, Mike and Steve; both work in the family business.
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.
