James K. Wylie
Feb. 15, 1931– Sept. 28, 2017
The morning of Sept. 28, Shirley Korm lost her best friend, dance and life partner of 25 years.
Jim had been a father to Julie O’Keefe, grandfather to Michael McCarter (Nicole) and Bernadette O’Keefe.
Jim leaves behind Children: Donna Adkinsson, Kenneth Wylie, and Timothy Wylie; Grandchildren: Tiffany Crossley (DeJalma), Amber Foerster (Jacob), Travis Northrup, and Sieanna Greenspon; Great-Grandchildren: Kijana (deceased) Kiani, and Jenaya Crossley, Ziya Greenspon; and nieces and nephews in Tennessee.
Born in Collierville, TN, Jim moved to the Bay Area in the early 50’s, settling in Pacifica and then Hayward in 1996. A member of the Local 104 for over 60 years, Jim worked as a sheet metal worker and began 50 plus years as a square dance caller. In 2005, Jim was awarded the “Half Century” recognition awards by Callerlab and The Square Dance Callers Association of Northern California. In 2007, he received, from the Kainos Home and Training Center, an award for his dedication in teaching developmentally challenged adults the art of square dancing. He was extremely fond and proud of The Pioneer Squares of San Bruno. Jim was noted for his soft voice, humorous directions, yodeling and patient teaching methods. Jim leaves the square dance community he loved and enjoyed with a fondness for music, dance, friendship and memories that will never fade. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Internment services will be private. A Celebration of Life will take place at New England Village Mobile Home Community clubhouse, 940 New England Village Dr., Hayward, CA 94544, Saturday, Nov. 4, from 1pm to 4pm.
Shirley Korm and Family wish to thank Dr. M. Agleham, his caregivers Lenoire Mendoza and Armin Punongbayan, and the Hayward Kaiser Hospice Staff and volunteers for their professional expertise and sincere caring ways during Jim’s illness.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim’s name to Dementia/ Alzheimer’s organizations or Animal welfare organizations.