James Wade Bidle

Rev. Dr. James W Bidle, of Crystal Lake, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at age 97 on Jan 2, 2025. 

He was born on Nov 13, 1927 to Charles and Helen Bidle in the tiny town of Apple Creek, OH. He sold candy and ice cream in his Dad’s general store in the 30s, and enlisted in the Army at 17. After WWII, he graduated from College of Wooster and the Oberlin Graduate School of Theology, and received an honorary doctorate from the Chicago Theological Seminary in 1977. Jim was ordained and ministered over 50 years at the First Congregational Church of Vermilion, OH, the First Community Church of Columbus, OH, the First Congregational Church of Muskegon, MI, and the First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, IL. He attended Oxford University on numerous sabbatical trips. He oversaw significant church membership growth through his vision of helping parishioners achieve personal and spiritual growth. He was instrumental in the development of the First Community Village retirement community in Columbus, and acquired the Dole mansion in Crystal Lake as the Lakeside retreat center and child care facility. Jim also started Branches, a very successful singles group in Crystal Lake.

Jim married Patricia Lockwood in 1952, and their union produced five children – Paula Bidle (George), Chris Bidle (Lynda), Holly Bidle, Betsy Campbell, Laurie Cordak (Brian), 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He married Jo Thorsen in 1989, and added four stepchildren to the family - Kim (Doug) Viafora, Matt Thorsen, Lisa (Mark) Wagy, and Ellen (Mark) Mottola and an additional 6 grandchildren. After retirement, Jim and Jo created a travel tour company, and lead 17 tour groups all over the world. He was a true Anglophile, and had a deep respect and love of all things British.

Jim’s passions were varied, and included writing poetry, enjoying the humor of Monty Python & WC Fields, being a Lincoln scholar, Canadian fishing trips, travelling, and enjoying the company of his numerous friends and extended family. Jim embodied lifelong learning, and gave monthly talks at the retirement facility based on his historical research. Beyond his ministry, Jim relished telling stories, reciting poems remembered from his youth, dice and card games with his family, and the thrill of growing his portfolio in the stock market. He loved sharing his business acumen, and hosted financial seminars with his children.

James Wade Bidle leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service, and will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know him. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held Friday, Jan 17, at 11:00 at First Congregational Church in Crystal Lake, with refreshments following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake in Jim’s name.