AMHERST, Ohio — Amherst Fire Chief James Wilhelm has died following a "lengthy, courageous battle with cancer," the department confirmed Friday.
Family and officials say Wilhelm passed away this morning at Mercy Health Lorain Hospital's New Life Hospice center. He was 72 years old, having lived in the city for his entire life.
"The last line in Chief's bio on our website reads, 'my love for the Amherst community and my passion for the fire service motivates me each and every day,'" the department wrote in a Facebook post. "If you talked to chief just once, you know there is not a truer statement."
Wilhelm served Amherst's all-volunteer department for 47 years, including the last seven as chief. His crew credits him with improving conditions for workers, such as acquiring new radios and safety equipment as well as two new fire engines currently in the process of being built.
When not fighting fires, Wilhelm worked as a lineman for FirstEnergy for more than three decades and also enjoyed fishing, according to his obituary from Hempel Funeral Home. He is survived by his wife Kim, two sons, six grandchildren, and two sisters, with another grandchild preceding him in death back in 2013.
"Though we are grieving, one thing is for certain. We're here if you need us," Amherst FD said. "Chief wouldn’t want it any other way."
Calling hours for Wilhelm will take place Thursday from 3-8 p.m. at Hempel Funeral Home on Cleveland Avenue, with funeral services set for Friday at 11 a.m. at the same location. In lieu of flowers, mourners are asked to donate to either St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Amherst Fire Department Social Club.