James L. Jim" Wildt, age 62, of Arcadia, FL, passed away Thursday, October 18, 2012 at his home in Arcadia, FL. Jim was born in Patuxent River, Maryland, March 3, 1950. He moved to Keystone Heights, FL with his family as a child , moving to Arcadia, FL in 1973. Jim received his Bachelors Degree in Education from the U. of West Fl, Class of 1972 and his Masters Degree in Education Administration from Appalachian State University, Class of 1975. He was a History teacher for 37 years with 36 of those years with the Desoto Co. 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 chosen "Who's Who of American Teachers" by his students and the 2010 Teacher of the Year. Jim was a former Pop Warner football coach and coached football and golf at DeSoto High. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Arcadia, FL. He was a Deacon and Elder of the church and participated in the church choir.. Survivors are his beloved wife of 37 years, Edith Y. Wildt, Arcadia, FL, son: Jeffrey Y. Wildt, Arcadia, FL, daughter: Jennifer W. (Chris) Esposito, Clermont, FL, sister: Jo Foster, The Villages, FL, sister-in-law Nancy (Lew) Ambler, Arcadia, FL, mother -in-law Sara York, Arcadia, FL, nephew: Michael Lyons, The Villages, FL. Jim is preceded in death by his parents; Joseph W. and Helen L. White Wildt and father in law, John York. Memorial services will be conducted, Tuesday, October 23, 2012, 4:00 pm, at the first Presbyterian Church, Arcadia, FL with 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 No. Arcadia, Ave., Arcadia, FL, and "Coach Wildt Fund" at Canine Castaways, PO Box 3295 Arcadia, FL 34265. Online condolences may be made at Ponger-Kays-Grady.com Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Arcadia, FL is in charge of arrangements.