Connellsville mourns the loss of James Wagner, a beloved former mayor, dedicated Lion, and, according to those who knew him, an exceptionally kind man. James, 79, passed away early Friday morning, just days after the death of his wife of 55 years, Judith.
Bob Ridenour, Judith’s brother, shared heartfelt memories of James, saying, “Jim was a great family man. He loved this town and its people. Though he worked in Somerset for many years, he always remained committed to Connellsville, never considering leaving.”
James Wagner served as Connellsville’s mayor from 1978 to 1982, and his contributions to the community extended far beyond that role. His lifelong membership in the Lions Club was a testament to his dedication to service.
A Leader and Friend
Ridenour fondly described Wagner as a natural leader in both his personal and community life. He mentioned that the Wagners were instrumental in organizing family reunions, including those for Judith’s side of the family, as well as for James’ Connellsville High School Class of 1961.
James Wagner’s impact on the Lions Club was immeasurable. Larry Kiefer, a fellow Lion, spoke of the many ways Jim contributed to the club “James also spent many years volunteering at the
arry Kiefer fondly remembered, “Jim was always the one to host our Charter Nights and annual award dinners. His dedication to the Lions Club extended to numerous projects, such as the establishment of Lions Square on West Crawford Avenue.
A Mentor and Guide
As a mentor, James Wagner offered invaluable guidance to younger members of the Lions Club. “He was always there to guide us back when we strayed from our path,” Kiefer shared
Lions Club President Tammy Hart, who knew James for many years through her late father, Bill, also a long-time Lion, shared her appreciation.
A Legacy of Service
James Wagner’s legacy of service, leadership, and kindness will live on in Connellsville. Whether as a mayor, Lion, or dedicated friend, James made an indelible mark on the lives of those around him.
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Remembering James Wagner: A Community Leader and Friend
James Wagner, known for his humor, kindness, and dedication to his community, left a lasting impact on Connellsville.Many who knew him cherish the memories of his love for practical jokes and his lighthearted, playful personality “He was ornery and loved jokes and practical jokes,” said Tammy Hart, a long-time friend. “He enjoyed sharing that with everyone.”
Hart also highlighted James Wagner’s leadership in the Lions Club, where he served three terms as president. He was even preparing to serve another term before health challenges interrupted his service.
James Wagner was known for being a genuinely fun person to be around, with a wide circle of friends. Jim was always focused on his community, approachable, and enjoyed taking part in events like Lions concerts and Connellsville football games,” said Bob Ridenour, Judith’s brother.
Lion Larry Kiefer described Wagner as a role model. “He was someone I’d love to emulate. Soft-spoken, but when he spoke, you listened because he was always right.”
Kiefer also shared his personal connection with Wagner, remembering him fondly as the mayor when he returned to Connellsville in the 1980s.
James Wagner’s Legacy in Local Fundraising
Beyond his work with the Lions Club, James Wagner played a significant role in the Heart Telethons that benefited the American Heart Association. Originally broadcast from the WCVI-AM radio station, the telethons expanded in the 1970s and 1980s, raising as much as $100,000 annually.
Sandra Lincoln, who served as an anchor for the telethons, remembered Wagner as an essential part of the team. “He was a great helper,” Lincoln said. He was a strong supporter of all the local organizations in Connellsville.”
Even in later years, James Wagner remained connected to the community. “I was sorry that he couldn’t be as involved with the Heart to Hope Telethon due to his health,” Lincoln shared.
Remembering James Wagner: A Man Who Made an Impact in Connellsville
Pat Duncan, a member of the Connellsville Municipal Authority Board, fondly remembers his campaign for mayor, which took place when James Wagner was elected. At just 19 years old, Duncan ran for mayor against Herbie Wrote. “I ran for mayor against Herbie Wrote, and on my 20th birthday, I faced defeat in the Democratic primary,” Duncan recalledMeanwhile, James Wagner secured the Republican nomination. That night, Duncan went up to WCVI and congratulated both candidates. “He was a good mayor, a community-oriented person, and he did many things for Connellsville. He was always there when you needed him, whether for an MC or help with a function.”
Duncan emphasized that Wagner’s contributions to the community left a lasting impressionJim was a kind man, and I always had great respect for him,” he shared ,” he shared. “He left alasting impact on this town, and his positive influence will never be forgotte
James Wagner’s Dedication to Community
James Wagner’s commitment to Connellsville went beyond politics. Whether hosting community events or supporting local causes, he always put the needs of the people first. His dedication to service left a mark on everyone he met, and his ability to bring people together made him a respected figure in the town.
Though his tenure as mayor was just one chapter in his life, his legacy as a community-oriented leader continues to inspire. James Wagner was not only a politician but also someone who understood the importance of personal connections and helping those around him.
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La Vida Voices: James Wagner’s Passion for Baseball and Latino Culture
Every person’s life journey is unique, but some career paths seem more straightforward than others. For me, as a Puerto Rican raised in Florida and New York, cheering for the Yankees was practically inevitable. It’s easy to understand how my love for baseball developed, given my roots. But for James Wagner, a New York Times baseball writer, his path to becoming one of the most influential Latino baseball writers in the U.S. is a bit less predictable.
Despite his name not immediately suggesting his Nicaraguan heritage, James Wagner has become a prominent figure in baseball journalism, particularly in bridging Latino culture with America’s pastime. Nicaragua’s limited exposure in Major League Baseball means the country isn’t commonly associated with the sport, yet Wagner’s unique perspective and powerful storytelling have made him a standout voice in sports writing.
His writing, often centered at the intersection of Latino culture and baseball, is one of the reasons he’s among my first reads each morning. One of my favorite stories of his from the past year was his insightful feature on Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos, a historic Mexican baseball team that plays across the U.S.-Mexico border, navigating the intricate political dynamics surrounding immigration.
I first met James Wagner several years ago when he was working for the Washington Post. We connected instantly, drawn together by our shared passion for telling Latino stories, understanding the cultural nuances that shape Latinos’ experiences across the Americas, and, of course, our love for baseball. Our discussions—rooted in his storytelling expertise and my historical knowledge—have led to some of the most fulfilling conversations when we cross paths at baseball events across the country. I admire his work greatly and am excited to share one of our conversations with you.
Adrian Burgos, Jr.: Who or what sparked your passion for baseball?
James Wagner:
My parents weren’t big sports fans, but culturally, baseball was something that was passed down to me Growing up in Ohio, my paternal grandparents were big into baseball, and that influence carried over. On my mother’s side, baseball is the national sport in Nicaragua, so I was exposed to the game from both sides of my family.
My mom made sure we embraced our Nicaraguan heritage. She only spoke to us in Spanish, encouraged us to read Nicaraguan poetry, and introduced us to Nicaraguan music. We ate traditional Nicaraguan food regularly, and she even sent us to Nicaragua for entire summers to spend with our grandparents. It was a chance to immerse ourselves in the culture.
I remember my grandfather giving me my first baseball glove, and I have fond memories of those summers in Managua. Though I wasn’t born and raised in Nicaragua, the culture was deeply ingrained in me.”
James Wagner:
A Unique Perspective on Baseball, Latino Culture, and Career Influence
AB: Growing up in multiple places must have had a profound impact on how you view Latino players’ experiences. Can you share how those experiences shaped your understanding of the cultural dynamics involved?
James Wagner:
Absolutely. Growing up in various places around the world gave me a deep appreciation for global politics and international news. It also taught me how different cultures handle things in diverse ways. For Latino baseball players, this awareness is crucial. When a player arrives in the U.S., understanding their cultural background—while I’m not in their exact position—helps me recognize how their expectations and experiences may differ from what they encounter in the U.S.
Latino culture isn’t one-size-fits-all. Just because players speak Spanish doesn’t mean they share the same slang, expressions, or meanings. A word in Mexico could have an entirely different meaning in Argentina. My exposure to Latin American culture helped me better understand these nuances and how they influence players on and off the field.
When I hear players discuss their struggles—whether with agents, the media, or team executives—it’s important to remember that their sensibilities may not align with what is typical in the U.S. Their cultural background plays a significant role in how they perceive and react to certain situations. I’m not excusing anything, but simply encouraging others to put themselves in the players’ shoes.
Can you walk us through how your career as a sportswriter, particularly focusing on baseball and Latino stories, began? Were there any particular influences on your journey?
James Wagner:
I’ve always been passionate about sports writing, especially baseball. I vividly remember Frank Deford’s columns in Sports Illustrated—his voice and humanity were always something I admired.
As for Latino sportswriters, two individuals have had a huge impact on me: Jesse Sanchez, who writes for MLB.com, and Jorge Arangure Jr., who now works at The New York Times. Although they’re not much older than I am, seeing how they approached baseball journalism and how
Conclusion:
James Wagner’s passing leaves a void in the Connellsville community, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. His service as mayor, his dedicated involvement with the Lions Club, and his enduring commitment to local causes have made him a beloved figure in the town. James’ kindness, leadership, and ability to connect with people, along with his unique perspective as a writer, will be remembered fondly by those who knew him. His contributions to Connellsville and his efforts to bring people together have left an indelible mark that will resonate for years to come.
FAQs:
Q1: What were James Wagner’s most notable contributions to Connellsville?
James Wagner served as the mayor of Connellsville from 1978 to 1982 and was deeply involved in the local Lions Club. He contributed significantly to various community projects, including the creation of Lions Square on West Crawford Avenue and supporting local events like the Heart Telethons. His leadership and service to the town were unparalleled.
Q2: How did James Wagner impact the Lions Club?
James Wagner was a longtime member of the Lions Club and served multiple terms as its president. He played a pivotal role in organizing the club’s activities, including hosting Charter Nights and annual award dinners. His contributions to the club were invaluable, and his mentorship helped guide younger members.
Q3: What is James Wagner’s legacy in Connellsville?
James Wagner’s legacy is defined by his unwavering dedication to service, leadership, and kindness. He was a mentor to many, a trusted community leader, and a lifelong advocate for local causes. His impact on Connellsville will be remembered for years to come, with his contributions to the Lions Club, local politics, and community events leaving a lasting impression.
Q4: How did James Wagner balance his work and family life?
James Wagner was known for his commitment to his family and his town. He and his wife, Judith, were a team, and their deep connection to Connellsville reflected in their personal and community life. His ability to balance a busy career with his dedication to his family and local service made him a respected figure in the community.
Q5: What were some of James Wagner’s favorite activities?
James Wagner enjoyed participating in local events, such as Lions concerts, Connellsville football games, and various fundraising activities. He also loved bowling and was known for his humor and quick wit, often making people laugh with his practical jokes. His playful nature and community spirit made him a beloved figure among his friends and colleagues.
they pursued Latino stories really inspired me. Their guidance, advice, and the friendships I’ve built with them have been invaluable. Even today, I still reach out to them for advice on certain stories or challenges I face
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