James D. Wetzel, 72, AIA of Jamaica Plain, died on December 25, 2012 of complications from COPD with his beloved wife Elizabeth Burden by his side.  He is also survived by his son Jeremy Wetzel and his wife Lupe, and grandson Jonathan of Aurora, CO; his sisters Maryhelen Hampton of Pocatello, ID, Rita Galbraith (Michael) of Webb City, MO, Elaine Downs (William) of Blackfoot, ID, Lenda Davis (Alan) of Fullerton, CA, and his brother Lewis Wetzel (Kim) of Laguna Niguel, CA and stepmother Martha Wetzel of Encinitas, CA as well as many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his father Jacob Wetzel and mother Avis Stubbs, and stepfather Ross Stubbs.  James was born in Ohio, raised in Wyoming, and lived in San Francisco where he began his architectural studies at Cal State; then lived briefly in NYC before settling in Boston in the late 60’s. Throughout the 70’s he traveled and/or worked as a draftsman throughout Europe, Morocco, the Middle East, Afghanistan, India, and Nepal.  In 1988, he returned with his wife to travel extensively throughout SE Asia and India.  He obtained his architectural degree from Boston Architectural College to become a registered architect, and was a member of the Boston Society of Architects.  During his career, he worked at several notable firms such as Benjamin Thompson & Associates on large scale commercial or institutional projects such as the revival of Faneuil Hall Marketplace and NYU Library.  As an independent architect, he focused on smaller residential and commercial projects including the Montien Thai restaurant in Boston.  In the 90’s he was a long time member on the Jamaica Plain Zoning Committee.  In his later years, he worked with Stephen Hale & Associates on libraries namely the Cary Memorial Library in Lexington.  In his retirement and in declining health, he was steadfast in his Pulmonary Maintenance program and a POG member.  Visitation from 11am – 1pm followed by a service on Saturday, January 5 at Dolan Funeral Home at 1140 Washington St., Dorchester.   Reception to follow at Montien Restaurant 63 Stuart St Boston.  In lieu of flowers, contributions if desired may be made in James’ memory to Brigham & Women’s Hospital 116 Huntington Avenue, 5^th Fl, Boston, MA 02116 (note: James Wetzel for Pulmonary Rehab) or Boston Architectural College www.the-bac.edu.