James L. “Jim” Wildt, 62, of Arcadia, Fla., passed away Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012, at his home in Arcadia.

He was born March 3, 1950, in Patuxent River, Md.

Jim moved to Keystone Heights, Fla., with his family as a child, moving to Arcadia in 1973. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the U. of West Florida, class of 1972; and his Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Appalachian State University, class of 1975. Jim was a history teacher for 37 years, 36 of those years with the DeSoto County, Fla., School System. He was Assistant Principal at Memorial Elementary School for a short time. Jim was very active in the former DeSoto County Little Theater. He was a former Pop Warner football coach, and also coached football and golf at DeSoto High School. He was chosen as “Who’s Who of American Teachers” by his students. Jim was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Arcadia. He was a Deacon and Elder of the church, and participated in the church choir. Jim was the 2010 Teacher of the Year.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Edith Y. Wildt of Arcadia; son, Jeffrey Y. Wildt of Arcadia; daughter, Jennifer W. (Chris) Esposito of Clermont, Fla.; sister, Jo Foster of The Villages, Fla.; sister-in-law, Nancy (Lew) Ambler of Arcadia; mother-in-law, Sara York of Arcadia; and nephew, Michael Lyons of The Villages. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph W. and Helen L. White Wildt; and father-in-law, John York.

Memorial services will be conducted at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012, at First Presbyterian Church of Arcadia, with the Rev. Jerry Waters officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church — Music Program, 209 W. Hickory St., Arcadia, FL 34266; Tidewell Hospice of Arcadia, 917 N. Arcadia Ave., Arcadia, FL 34266; or the “Coach Wildt Fund” of Canine Castaways, P.O. Box 329, Arcadia, FL 34265. Online condolences may be made at www.Ponger-Kays-Grady.com.

Arrangements are by Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Arcadia.