Ivan C. Wise

Date of Death: June 14, 2015

service

Marlow Heights Baptist Church

517 Braxton Road

Front Royal, VA 22630

Sunday 7/12, 12:30 pm

Ivan Clinton (D. J. Jim Lawrence) Wise, 69, of Berryville, Virginia, died Sunday, June 14, 2015, at Rosehill Golden Living Center.

Mr. Wise was born in 1945, in York, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Wilbur A. and Hazel S. Wise. He was a graduate of West York High School. Mr. Wise was a veteran having served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was a Disc Jockey with WFTR in Front Royal, Virginia. Mr. Wise attended Marlow Heights Baptist Church in Front Royal.

Ivan, or “Jim Lawrence” as he was known in Virginia, always had a passion for radio. As a teenager he setup his own low-powered radio station in the home he shared with his mother. His father had passed away when he was 9 years old. Later, when living with his older brother, Ralph, he again setup a low-powered radio station, WSRY in Spry, PA. After being discharged for the Army, he went on to broadcasting school and started working at radio stations. He spent most of his life at WFTR in Front Royal, Virginia, where many people woke to his voice every morning for many years.

He married Joyce Christiansen in July of 1982.

Surviving with his wife are two brothers, Ralph Wise and wife, Betty, David Wise, sisters-in-law, Phyllis Wise and Nancy Wise as well as Joyce’s brothers and sisters, Jane, James, Jack and Jerry Christiansen and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his brothers, Wilbur Wise, Ethan Wise, Glen Wise and sisters-in-law, Dixie Wise and Louise Wise.

A memorial service will be conducted at 12:30 on Sunday, July 12, 2015, at Marlow Heights Baptist Church with Pastor Jim Bunce officiating. Interment will be in York, Pennsylvania at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be made to his loving wife Joyce Wise, 3362 Middle Road, Winchester, Virginia 22602.

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Marlow Heights Baptist Church

517 Braxton Road

Front Royal, VA 22630

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Sunday 7/12, 12:30 pm

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Ivan Clinton (D. J. Jim Lawrence) Wise, 69, of Berryville, Virginia, died Sunday, June 14, 2015, at Rosehill Golden Living Center. Mr. Wise was born in 1945, in York, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Wilbur A. and Hazel S. Wise. He was a graduate of West York High School. Mr. Wise wasContinue Reading

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Jim gave me my first opportunity in the radio business many years ago at WFTR. I have always been greatful for that chance. You will be missed my friend.

Joyce, I am so sorry to hear about Ivan. Just wanted to offer my condolences and prayers. I will not be able to attend the memorial service, but hopefully will be able to see you sometime next week. Love, Louise

Joyce, Please accept my sympathy to you over the loss of your dear Ivan. Please know you and Ivan are in my thoughts and prayers.

Joyce, you and Ivan are in my prayers. I am sorry for your loss.

Joyce, I am so very sorry to learn of Jim's passing. You knew me as Janet Nicely and I lived in the cabin before you and Jim. I worked with Jim at WFTR. I pray for God's peace and strength for you in the days ahead, you and Jim were together for many years.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Like many... I worked with "Jim" many years ago. With the ego-maniacs that usually work in radio... Jim WAS NOT one of them Jim & I ALWAYS enjoyed a friendship & mutual respect over the years. We sure shared some great ole' war stories about the people that we had crossed pathes with throughout our careers! Jim... enjoy your new home and the peace it brings you. I will scan the early morning frequencies to see if you went home & built another station. You will be missed. May God Bless your family with the memories you've left with us.

I had the great pleasure of working with Jim for many years. He could be gruff and grumpy at times but I always attributed that to his passion for the radio business. I have many memories of Jim but my fondest is when he told me, with tears in his eyes, that he had accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior. Knowing that gives me comfort and I pray that it gives you peace as well. He may not be here physically, but we'll always have our memories and the assurance that, if we too have accepted Christ Jesus, we will see Jim again. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Hill family are with you and your family. Mic off, logs signed, shift over, rest in peace Jim.

Ivan was the person who made me interested in radio, something I enjoyed doing for 20 years! For that I'll always be grateful. Our love and prayers are for Joyce and Ivan's peace!

I remember Uncle Ivan from a very young age when he started his D.J. profession on E. Market Street in York Pa.. Jim Lawrence (his radio personality name) would let my siblings and myself sit in his studio as he did his broadcast over the airways. We were amazed by all the equipment and oh what memories were shared there. We learned so much! God Bless Aunt Joyce and Uncle Ivan, you finally made it to the "pinnacle of the airways in the sky"! See you soon Uncle Ivan on those beautiful shores...

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.