He was born Jan. 31, 1915, in Williamsville, a son of James M. and Alice E. Long Wise. He married Ruth M. Steller on Feb. 26, 1935, in Lincoln. She died Aug. 22, 1987.

Survivors include one daughter, Freddona Gail Wise, Lincoln; one son, James M. Wise, Memphis, Tenn.; one sister, Rosemary Evers, Williamsville; one grandchild, James Scott (Jenny) Wise; and one great-grandchild, William Scott Wise.

He was a retired school teacher who taught building trades. He built over 20 homes with students in Minonk and also taught woodshop and mechanical drawing. He graduated from Williamsville High School and received a bachelor's degree from ISU and a master's degree from Bradley University in 1953. He taught for a total of 38 years in Benton, Springfield and Minonk schools.

He also served in the U.S. Army as a technical sergeant in England during World War II from 1944 to 1946.

He was a member of Williamsville Christian Church, a member of the American Legion Post 142 of Minonk and was also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7185 of Minonk.

His graveside service with full military honors will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Elkhart Cemetery, Elkhart, the Rev. Tim Searby officiating. There will be no visitation. Holland & Barry Funeral Home, Lincoln, is in charge of arrangements.