James M. “Jim” Wyatt, Jr.
October 22, 1949 - August 18, 2024
James M. “Jim” Wyatt Jr., age 74, of Smyrna, Delaware, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Wilmington, Delaware on October 22, 1949, he was the son of the late James M. Wyatt, Sr. and Mary T. McBride Wyatt. Jim was a graduate of De La Warr High School in 1967, and he stayed in touch with many of his friends from high school, still doing a monthly breakfast with them. He proudly served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1969 until 1973, and remained an active reservist until 1979. Upon returning from the Navy, Jim helped run his parent’s business – Wyatt’s Ceramics for many years.
Jim met his wife, Debbie at work in 1987 and they were married on April 14, 1989. He made a career working in the auto industry and last worked for the Price Organization Inc. for 25+ years, until his retirement in 2016. Jim loved automobiles and he could name the make, model and year of any vehicle just by a glance, and started from an early age building or rebuilding cars. Being mechanically inclined, he could fix almost anything. He also enjoyed home repairs and had a small home repair business for a short time.
Jim was a friend to many in the community and made lifelong friendships with many high school friends and co-workers over the years. He was always there to lend a hand to a friend or family member. Above all, he cherished his family and loved making memories with them.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Regina B. Wyatt. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Deborah T. Wyatt; son, James M. Wyatt III; daughter, Tiffany N. Zimath (David); sisters, Nancy J. Miller (Patrick) and Jo Ann Wienikes; and 2 grandchildren, Eric and Devin Zimath.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 11 am. A committal service will be held privately in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a generous (tax deductible) donation to Delaware Hospice, 555 E. Loockerman Street, Suite 200, Dover, DE 19901 or online by clicking here. The nurses and aides from Delaware Hospice took such very good care of Jim and the family is very grateful for their support at all hours of the day and night.
Rodney
Jim
Rest easy now ur in good hands..thanks so much for all the great memories.. mentoring and friendship we had for many years being your next door neighbor . As a veteran myself thank you for your dedication to duty and service within the Navy to our Country, your legacy will live forever..so glad I was able to be there for you in your last days..we love you and your family forever .
rodneykerley9577@gmail.com
Rodney Kerley SFC retired
U.S.Army
Chas
Jim was such a warm, kind, and gentleman to all. It was my absolute pleasure getting to know Jim and seeing his love for his wife and family. The phrase “They don’t make them like they used to, ”comes to my mind when I think of Jim.
Kathy Cahill Lams
Jim Wyatt was a very special man. I also graduated from DeLaWarr in 1965, Jim graduated with my brother Joe in 1967. Knew him from the car business and and since moving to Texas we have kept in touch on Facebook. I know Jim will be missed by so many. So sad to lose another friend.
Angel Marie
My condolences to Debbie n the entire family, I met him at the car dealership in Delaware, as a younger black female he wanted to sit with me and have like a father and daughter conversation, when buying any vehicle from anyone it went absolutely amazing, he was very kind, respectful and oh so so honest that conversation lead to another trip to Delaware for my truck he sold me and breakfast for me n hubby which left to a wonderful Facebook connection n 7 years of him wishing me all the holidays n my birthday wishes that i really look forward to seeing on my timeline, Debbie I hope you will n can continue wishing me my birthday wishes for our beloved Jim who I call my UNCLE.
Patti Lortz
My thoughts and prayers go out to Debbie, Nancy and everyone in Jim’s family. I hope your happy memories wrap you in comfort during this difficult time. I will happily make a donation to Delaware Hospice in his memory.
Jay Brown
What I remember most about Jim, was his dry sense of humor !! He was always willing to help to try and put a deal together if possible. For me, what also stood out, is he always listened when you’re telling a story or again, trying to put a car deal together. RIP ” Wyatt-Erp ” !
Elaine
Jim, I will miss our conversation about the dealership, about politics and current events. I always loved talking to you. I came to work at Price, and Jim took me under his wing and helped me become successful . He was definitely like a big brother to me. I will miss him so much. Debbie, I send you my condolences. I know he will be paying you visit from time to time.
Nicholas
Such a great man! I remember having great long conversations at work. Everything from health to kids and wives. It’s a was a blessing to know him. RIP Sir Jim.
Mary F Dean
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. My mother worked with his mother at the Acme for many years. Prayers for his family.
Ellie Janocha
My heart felt condolences for you Deb and your family on your loss.
Don Schilling
I first met Jim in grade school in the ‘50s. We survived the Felician Nuns at Holy Spirit and hung out until we both went our ways to different high school. We recently connected in FB a few years ago. It seems like you always miss your childhood friends the most when they’re gone. I’m sorry I never got to meet his Debbie.
RIP Jim…
Melanie Waters-Cook
Deb, my sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mel
Jeff Westrich
Jim you were a good person. I shared many of good laughs with you.
You were fun to work with over the years.
You helped me enjoy the world of tropical/saltwater fish by helping me set my fish tanks up.
Thank you for all the great memories.
Rest in peace my friend.
Ken and Oscie Perdue
How to express our deepest condolences for the family!
Gayle Loring
Deb I am so sorry for your pain and loss. I always loved Jim’s posts on Facebook and the stories you’ve shared about him. I know he was a special person and will be forever missed. Hugs and prayers to you and your family
Patricia O’Leary Cunningham
Dear Debbie and all Wyatt family,
My sincere condolences. Jim will be missed by Jimmy, and all relatives.
I remember when he first met my sister Cecilia and married.
Also was so happy when he married you Debbie and loved your furry babies!
As a widow, I know the difficult road you will walk Debbie I will be praying for you and Jimmy, and all family grieving Jim.
Patty O’Leary Cunningham
41 Whitehaven Way
Lewes,DE 19958
Deborah Zimath
Debbie and family. We are so sorry Jim was such a amazing man. He truly will be missed.
Brian McDaid
Sorry for your Loss. Jim was a great guy and Mentor.