James Wernke

Ponderosa Valley Funeral Services

Altogether<br/>4307 Vineland Road, Suite H-17-19, Orlando, FL 32811<br/>For more information, visit our website at <a href='www.altogetherfuneral.com'>www.altogetherfuneral.com</a><br/>Copyright © 2025 FPG Intermediate Holdco, LLC

James Patrick Wernke, 21 who disappeared Saturday, December 12, 2009, was found Tuesday, December 15 in the Brea Dam area of Fullerton, CA. James died after he was tragically swept away by the heavy weekend rains as he walked his girlfriend's dog along the creek. It is believed, James was killed when he tried to save the dog from the rushing water. 

The son of Bob and Sheri Wernke of Castle Rock, CO, James was born August 5, 1988, in Fullerton, attended St. Juliana Catholic School and graduated from Troy High School in 2007 where he lettered in baseball and cross country. James attended and played baseball for Fullerton College and was currently attending Santa Ana College where he was a star left-handed starting pitcher for the Dons. His baseball future positively glowed as James had recently accepted a full scholarship to Long Beach State University. 

Always smiling, perennially cheerful, James was the younger brother of Kristina Wernke, who was his biggest, most enthusiastic fan, along with her parents and grandparents, Barney and Fran Wernke of Fullerton and Bill and Gwen Lewis of Laguna Hills. From his earliest little league games to his more recent stint with a team in Battle Creek, Michigan, James rarely took the field without some combination of family and friends in the stands to root for him. 

James Wernke loved and was loved by his family and many friends. He clearly loved life and the promise of good times and great adventures yet to come. He really loved baseball and played with confidence and an unrestrained joy... a joy that could always be seen in his easy, happy grin. 

As a tribute to James and his love of baseball, all those who attended the funeral Mass (in California) were encouraged to wear baseball or other sports attire, and proudly they did. 

The Rosary was recited for James on Friday, December 18, at St. Juliana's Church, Fullerton. The funeral Mass was held there on Saturday, December 19. 

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made payable to the James P. Wernke Memorial Fund c/o Wells Fargo Bank, Fullerton Office, 141 W. Bastanchury Road, Fullerton, CA 92835, Reference ACCT NO: 2119651954. 

A Graveside Service at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 880 E. Wolfsenberger Road, Castle Rock, CO will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2010, 11 AM. Reception to Follow Graveside at 5117 Pine River Trail, Castle Pines North.

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James Wernke Obituary | Altogether