James Houghton Wiley

James Houghton Wiley, 69 of La Crosse died on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at the Gundersen Health System. He was born November 2, 1945 in Milwaukee to Ralph and Elsie (Brekken) Wiley. He graduated from Iola-Scandinavia High School and later from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a degree in Parks and Recreation.
Jim had co-owned and operated the Bluebird Campground in La Crosse and later managed the High Roller Skating Rink in La Crosse. Since April 1, 1988 Jim had owned and operated Houghton’s Restaurant in La Crosse. He loved animals, enjoyed traveling, camping, and entertaining, especially on St. Patrick’s Day.
Jim is survived by a son, Ben (Julie) Fowler of Galesville, WI; his mother, Elsie Wiley of Iola, WI; two grandchildren, Bob and Joe Fowler both of Galesville; a sister, Margaret (Jim) Evenson of Eagan, MN; a brother, Patrick (Marge) Wiley of La Crosse; two nieces and a nephew, Kristie, Jennifer and Thomas; six great-nieces and nephews, Kadee, Maggie, Jack, Toree, Josie and Brooklyn, along with many, many friends including his friend since childhood, Arden Stoltenberg. He was preceded in death by his father.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, February 14th at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Avenue South, La Crosse. Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 9:00 A.M. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Coulee Region Humane Society, 911 Critter Court, Onalaska, WI 54650.