The Eastern New Mexico News - Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

James Wise , 86

James D. “Jim” Wise Sr., 86, died Friday, Sept. 17, 2004, in Houston.

He was born on Aug. 26, 1918, in Taiban, to Ezekiel James and Emily Stone Wise.

He was born and educated in New Mexico and was a decorated World War II veteran and prisoner of war. After dozens of valiant bombing missions, he was shot down and captured, and survived over a year in a German prison camp, family members said. After the war, he returned to Houston. He entered the insurance business and founded Wise Insurance. He earned the Certified Property and Casualty Underwriter certification and was a lecturer at the University of Houston. He worked with a youth group in the city as a Sunday school superintendent. Family members said he was widely admired for his cheerful outlook on life and for his endearing smile.

Survivors include his wife, Mosette Davis Wise; a son, James D. “Jim” Wise Jr.; a grandson, Travis James Wise; two brothers, Gene Wise of Dallas and Neal Wise of Florida; a sister, Mabeth Bradshaw of Portales; six nieces; and three nephews.

Services are scheduled for 3 p.m. (CDT) Thursday at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston. Cremation has taken place.

Memorial contributions may be made to Baylor Geriatrics Clinic.