John Michael Wakim, born on September 29, 1956 in Wheeling, West Virginia, peacefully passed away in Moundsville, WV on August 26th, 2023.
John dedicated over 45 years of his life working in construction and was the proud owner of Timber Grove Construction. His passion for crafting and creating carried him through countless projects, leaving a lasting impact on the community he cherished.
In his spare time, John was an avid sports enthusiast, especially when it came to any and all West Virginia University sports. He proudly supported and cheered on the Mountaineers, making sure to catch every game possible. John was also a diehard Pittsburgh Pirates fan, faithfully following their triumphs and tribulations throughout the years.
Golf held a special place in John’s heart, as he found solace and joy on the greens. He was a beloved member of the Men’s Wheeling Park Golf Club, where he shared many memorable moments with fellow golfers. Additionally, John was a dedicated member of the Eagles in Elm Grove, forming lasting friendships within the community.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Melo J. Wakim and Laura M. Wakim, as well as his brother, Stephen Wakim. His memory will live on through his loving children; son, Dr. Ryan J. (Liza) Wakim, and daughter, Jenna M. Randall. John is also survived by his brothers, Chris (Jeannette) Wakim and Milo Wakim, and his cherished grandson, Oliver.
Services to honor and remember John will be held at the Elm Grove Altmeyer Funeral Home. Visitation will take place on Monday, August 28th, from 3:00pm until 7:00pm. A procession will begin at the Elm Grove Altmeyer Funeral Home on Tuesday at 10:30am, which will lead to his final resting place at the Bishop’s Chapel in Mount Calvary Cemetery.
Immediately following the committal service, a luncheon at the Elm Grove Eagles Club will be held.
Although John’s passing leaves a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him, his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched. May he rest in peace.
To My Dear John From Mark Brown..”Brownie”
I remember meeting you the first week of our sophomore year in September of 1971 at our beloved Triadelphia High School. I knew we would be close, I just never knew how close. You always had my back from day 1 and you know I had yours. You helped me to get to know more wonderful friends from Bridge Street and Elm Grove than I can ever count. In the summer of 1975, I was going through one of the toughest times of my life. You picked me up in your awesome 1968 White Ford Fairlane 390 GT virtually every summer night at my mom’s house 28 Edgelawn Avenue and the two of us would cruise National Road continuously from Kruger Street to Elby’s in Woodsdale. You will never know how much that meant to me. You never once pushed me to shake out of it, you were just there for me as my best friend. Our Theme song that was played all summer long was “One of These Nights” by The Eagles. Every Time, and I mean every time to this very day, that I hear our song, I think of you. Keep letting your Beautiful Gentle Light of Love Shining in Heaven, and I will see you again, and you can bank on that. If I can ever help you Ryan, Jenna or Oliver on John’s behalf, Please Please reach out to me…
I Loved you then, I Love you now, and I will Love you Forever. Miss you more Than I can ever say. Brownie
John will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy for the entire Wakim family.
Jenna and Ryan. So sorry to see that your father has passed away. Your Dad and I were childhood friends and went to school together. I remember lots of fun Friday evenings at the Wheeling Park Skating Rink. Lots of good childhood memories. May his soul RIP May the Lord wrap his arms around you at this difficult time. Prayers for you and your families.
Cathy Sharpsky Piazza
We were so very sorry . John and I went to Triadelphia High School together. We reconnected years later at the Elm Grove Eagles. Many wonderful memories. Rest In Peace dear John! Our prayers and sympathy to his family. Earl and Jill Buono
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing we worked together on many projects. May you find peace knowing he is no longer suffering. My your family memories bring you much comfort, and know he brought much joy to many people in the Valley.
Dear Chris and Milo,
I don’t know if you will remember me, but I dated John in ’77. John was such a nice and gentle soul and so was the family. I hated to see this notice on FB this morning and wanted to send my condolences to you both.
May John rest in peace.
So sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Patty Daschbach Cato
Dear Chris and Milo, I know John’s passing brings another change to daily life – but I’m sure your family ties will keep him strongly in your hearts and memories of family times together. From your old neighbors – the Randolph family.
Milo & Chris, I’m so sad to hear John passed. From SVS grade school on, we shared classes and lots of laughs. This is the part of our circle of life that really sucks. I am happy that John will be there to show us the ropes on the other side when it’s our turn! Sincere condolences and comforting blessings to his family for the loss of this very good man. You have great genes.
Your dad was a great friend and I imagine a great father. We had great times at George’s house across the street. The one thing I will always remember is when John wiorked so hard to fix up that Ford Fairlane in high school. That was his pride and joy. John will be missed
My sincere condolences to Chris and Milo and the entire family on the passing of this wonderful man. I have many fond memories, but two come quickly to mind (if I may…) Way back, there was a song by the Delfonics called “La La Means I Love You”… (YouTube it…) When we were still at Bridge Street, 9th grade, I think, John and I would pass in the stairwells between classes…He would sing “La La” to me, and I’d sing “La La” right back to him. And we’d smile… Of course, he didn’t love me, but my good friend Audrey, who he’d date through high school.. In fact (memory #2) my mom (who passed 20 years ago) would get so tickled, and loved reminding me that she “caught” John and Audrey smooching under our lilac bush at our Class of 74 high school grad party at our house on Viewpoint Lane…😉. Rest in peace, my sweet friend. You will be missed.