James Wegs

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James G. Wegs, of Medford, Oregon on Monday, July 12, 2021 at the age of 89.

James, affectionately known as Jim or Jimmy by family and friends, was born in Estherville, Iowa on May 26, 1932, to parents Gerald Frank Wegs and Mary Agnes Gerry. He graduated from Estherville High in1950. Immediately after graduating Jim enlisted in the Marines and fought proudly in the Korean War from 1951-1954. Upon his departure from the Marines, he attended Sacramento State and ultimately met his future beloved wife, Nancy Mae Clemens. They married in Reno, Nevada in January, 1961. Jim and Nancy had 2 beautiful girls together, Leslie and Keri Wegs.

Upon Jim’s departure from the Marines, he attended Sacramento State and began a career in banking that would span more than 40 years. Never one to sit still, when Jim “retired” in 1995 from Bank of Southern Oregon, he opened his own mortgage company, Fabian & Wegs, with his longtime friend Skip Fabian. Jim and Skip were known to help start many new businesses in Medford and the surrounding areas, which was a great source of pride for Jim and made him a well-known and well-loved man in the community. It was impossible to go out to dinner or even the grocery store without running into someone who wanted to say hello or thank him. Truly, to know him was to love him.

Jim was an avid fisherman who also loved hunting, Oregon Ducks football, traveling, spending time with his family, and popcorn. He was quick with a joke or a smile and loved to laugh. He was a caring, generous, loyal and tough man with a heart of gold and he will be forever missed.

Jim is survived by his sister, Margaret Wegs of Michigan, his daughters Leslie Wegs of Phoenix, OR, and Keri Wegs of Portland, OR, as well as her partner, Jim’s chosen son-in-law and friend, Chip Steeler of Portland, OR and his granddaughter, Chrystal Fortugno of Portland, OR. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, his wife Nancy Mae Wegs, and his sister Kathryn Tretter.

Service to be held at Perl Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, August 2, 2021 from 10am to 11:30am. Graveside service at Eagle Point National Cemetery on Monday, August 2, 2021 at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the National MS Society.