Mr. James “Jimmy” Wiseman, 95, of Benton, Kentucky, passed away on, November 3, 2024, at his home surrounded by loving and devoted family members.
Born to the late James Hart Wiseman and Helen Hall Wiseman on August 28, 1929, in Kuttawa, Kentucky. He graduated high school in 1947 and attended two years of pre-pharmacy classes at Murray State University before transferring to the University of Tennessee at Memphis. Jimmy graduated from pharmacy school in December 1951 before entering the United States Army and serving his country for two years as a pharmacist stationed in the Philippines. After returning from the Army in the spring of 1954, he started working at Walgreens in Paducah, Kentucky. That summer, he met the love of his life, Ernie DePriest. They began dating and were married on December 26 of that same year. Their marriage was a testimony of true love and strong Faith in the Lord. In 1954, Jimmy began his ownership, along with Raymond Vick, of the Corner Drug Store in Benton, Kentucky, later opening their second pharmacy J&R Pharmacy, named for James and Raymond in 1965. Known for his kindness, Jimmy owned and operated the pharmacy and served his community for over sixty-five years, always placing the customers’ needs first. His commitment to the community was recognized multiple times throughout his life, receiving the Kentucky Lake Chamber of Commerce “Business of the Year Award” and in the winter of 2000, Jimmy was also awarded the “Lifetime Achievement Award”.
Jimmy was an avid reader, having read over a thousand books. He was also a big golf enthusiast and the last of the surviving twelve founders of the Benton Country Club. As a man of faith, he was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Benton. He also dedicated his time to serving on several other boards, such as the Bank of Marshall County and Heritage Bank. He was honored to serve his community for over forty years on the Benton City Council and served over five years as the Mayor of Benton. Jimmy lived out his Faith in service to his community and was a loving, devoted, respected, and humble husband, father, “Gran-Gran,” and friend.
Those who will celebrate and cherish the many wonderful memories of his life include his loving wife of almost seventy years, Ernestine “Ernie” Wiseman; his two daughters, Debbie Anderson (Terry) of Benton, Kentucky, and Kim Smith (Dennis) of Benton, Kentucky; and one son, Jeff Wiseman (Sharon) of Benton, Kentucky; his six grandchildren, James Bradley Anderson (Amy), Lindsey Brooks Smith, Josh Willard Anderson (Danielle), Jana Melendez (Randy), James “Blake” Wiseman (Lauren), Colby Wiseman (Amanda); fifteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James “Hart” Wiseman and Helen Hall Wiseman.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the American Heart Association, 240 Whittington Parkway, Louisville, Kentucky 40222.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, 1003 Poplar Street, Benton, KY 42025.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann with Bro. Alan Miller and Bro. Jack Henton officiating. Burial will follow at Marshall County Memory Gardens.
