Obituary of Colonel James A Wasil

Colonel James Ardelane Wasil January 24, 1927 - January 29, 2014 Longtime Santa Barbara resident and leader James Wasil died on Wednesday, January 29, 2014, after battling an annoying and elusive illness to a standstill. With 27 years teaching at Santa Barbara High School, 42 years in the Army Reserves, 62 years a father the life of a terrific man and patriot comes to an end. Born in Akron, Ohio, James Ardelane Wasil worked in his immigrant father's blacksmith shop, learning welding and business skills. Rising to become the youngest-ever Business Manager at Local 219 Plumbers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters Union, he devised the union's retirement system, including healthcare benefits and even travel pay. He served in Italy in World War II, as a 19 year-old MP learning a lot about the civilian consequences of the encounter of fascism and freedom. Turning down an offer to move on to Berlin and join the OSS, the precursor to the CIA, Wasil returned to Akron and married his high school sweetheart Nelly Campbell with whom he had four children. While he was studying for a law degree at Akron University, his beloved Nelly died suddenly. Following her death, he pursued full-time work teaching High School History and Social Studies, along with law at Central High School in Akron. His moot court sessions were much sought after by students and each class had long waiting lists. Later, he married Julia Schetter, moving to Goleta, CA. Though Julia died in 2002, the "Colonel" as he is widely referred to with great respect and fondness, maintained his residence in Goleta until 2010, when he moved to theVilla Santa Barbara retirement community. A 44-year resident of Goleta and a veteran with 38 years of active and reserve duty, Colonel Wasil taught political science and social studies at Santa Barbara High School. A longtime political activist, he ran for City Council in his hometown of Akron, Ohio as well as for an Ohio state Assembly seat and for city council in Goleta in 2001. He also served on the Ohio state Democratic Committee. One of his proudest achievements was working at the Pentagon in Logistics for several years. Colonel Wasil earned a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in education administration from Kent State University. He completed three years of law school at the University of Akron.Twice Commander of the Military Order of the World Wars in Santa Barbara, and First Vice-Commander of the American Legion Post 49 in Santa Barbara, Colonel Wasil was chairman of the Veterans Coordinating Council for the Santa Barbara/Goleta area. He cut a dashing figure in his dress blues, was a lifelong Democrat and was eternally thankful for all his friends, family and the G.I. Bill. He was very proud to help get the first two women into West Point. He is survived by his brothers Alex (Dorothy) of Canton, Raymond, of Delaware, Ohio, sister Anna (Charles) of Florida, sons Douglas of Colorado Springs, CO, Daniel (Ellen) of Portland, OR, daughter Melanie (Christopher) of Pasadena, CA, and grandchildren Aaron, Amanda and Kelsie and step-grandchildren Harrison and Madeleine. A funeral mass and reception will be held at St. Raphael's Catholic Church, 5444 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, on Wednesday, February 5 at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Colonel Wasil's name to the educational scholarship fund of the Col. George C. Wollsey Chapter, Military Order of World Wars (MOWW), 945 Crown Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93111