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.