James Russell “Jim” Wiegand, 79, of Lafayette, died Sunday, August 13, 2017 at Signature Health Care. He was born in Flint, MI, to the late Russell and Thelma Wiegand, on August 13, 1938. Jim graduated in 1956 from West Lafayette High School and would go on to attend Purdue. On May 1, 1970, he married Midge Decker in Lafayette. She survives. Jim worked for GTE for 35 years before retiring as a supervisor. Jim also dedicated 4 years of his life to the National Guard. Surviving, along with his wife, Midge are his children, a daughter, Connie Wiegand of Ohio, son, Jim Snethen (wife Cindy) of Florida, daughter, Tammie Firth (husband Jeff) of Lafayette, daughter, Jamie Linville of Noblesville, daughter, Cheryl Brown of South Carolina, daughter, Cindi Ruppe of Lafayette, son, Mike Ruppe (wife Buffy) of South Carolina, and daughter, Jackie Bond (husband Scott) of Lafayette. He has 18 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by a sister. Visitation will be from 12-1 PM Friday, August 18, 2017 at the Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Lafayette, IN 47909. The service will begin at 1:00 PM Friday with the internment to follow at Spring Grove Cemetery in Lafayette. Memorial donations may be made in Jim’s name to the Almost Home Humane Society, 1705 S. 2nd St. Lafayette, IN 47905.