James "Jim" Dean Wiles entered everlasting rest, joining his beloved wife Georgia, on Wednesday September 23, 2026, he was 82. He was born November 1,1943 to Claude and Vera WIles, in Vigo County, IN. Jim was one of 14 children. Jim married Georgia Nevins on December 2,1964, raising a family with her for the next 56 years until her death in 2021. Also preceding him in death are his parents and several siblings.

Jim was well known in Sullivan County - you either called him to fix your car or trusted him to get your babies safely to and from school. A staple of Sullivan County, Jim owned and operated Wiles Auto Repair, providing fair and quality work for (decades), his grandson Kody grew up helping Grandpa at "The Shop", eventually following in Jim's footsteps. There aren't many people around that wouldn't recognize Jim behind the wheel of SWSC's Bus #21, faithfully transporting Sullivan's most precious cargo for 40 plus years. Through these two ventures, Jim spent his life in the service of the citizens of Sullivan.

Jim was an avid racing fan, forever rooting for #3 Dale Earnhardt Sr, meaning a race was always on in the background during Sunday dinner. Every grandkid has fond memories of watching a race with Grandpa Wiles. When a race wasn't on, Jim could be found in his armchair, with a longneck bottle close by, watching Gunsmoke, while the grandkids and great-grandkids made lasting memories at grandma and grandpa's house.

The most important thing to Jim was his family. His work may have served many, but ultimately he put in those long, hot, greasy, tough hours in the bus or under the hood of a car so that he could provide for his family. Together, he and Georgia raised three children - James "Jimmy" (Toni), William "Billy", and Debbra (Doug); who in turn blessed them with 10 grandchildren - Maria (Jonathan), Brittany, Jessica (Ray), Kody (Abbey), Theresa (Andrew), Erika (Tristan), James (Shemeah), Megan (Blake) and Colton,. The family quickly grew, adding 27 great-grandkids-Jon Jr, Josh, Oliveah (TJ), Attica, Emrys, Brielle, Ashton, Haven, Edward "Willie", Billi, Odessa, Amelia, Kambri (Tate), Jaxson, Autumn, Lawsen, Brody, Sadie, Leland, Rylee, Clayton, Adalynn, John, Abel, Mia, Sophia and Gunnar In 2026, Jim was honored to become the great-great grandpa of Juliette and Ryker. Brother, Michael and sister, Ann, along with several niece's, nephew’s, and countless friends that became family also deeply honor Jim's memory.

Services to honor a well lived life will be on Monday, September 28, 2026 at Holmes Memorial Chapel from 11:00 am. until time of service at 1:00 pm. with John Figg officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Tabor Cemetery.