James Lee “Jim” Waggoner, age 89 and only 55 days from his 90th birthday, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Jim was born on August 20, 1929 in Caney, Kansas to Walter “Mike” Waggoner and Dorothy (Aitken) Waggoner. He grew up in Coffeyville and Caney where he received his education, graduating from Caney High School. He then went on to attend Coffeyville Junior College.
On September 12, 1950 Jim enlisted into active service with the United States Airforce in Kansas City, Missouri. During this time he was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska and at the Northeast Cape Air Force Station on St. Lawrence Island in Alaska. His final station was at Biggs Airforce Base in Texas where he received his honorable discharge on July 29, 1954. Throughout that time he had achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal for his service during the Korean War.
Jim returned to Kansas where he attended Pittsburg State University. He majored in Marketing, earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. After earning his degree, he worked for Phillips Petroleum in Borger, Texas and El Paso Natural Gas in El Paso, Texas. He then moved home to Caney, Kansas, and went to work for Cities Service Oil Company, where he met the love of his life and best friend, Wilna Ruth Hendrickson. The couple were united in marriage on June 4, 1965 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma at the First United Methodist Church. They recently celebrated 54 wonderful years of marriage. The couple made Bartlesville their home, where they started a family. The family moved to Caney, Kansas in 1967; Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1971 and back to Caney in 1982, where they have remained ever since. Jim also worked as the Business Administrator for the First United Methodist Church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. After his retirement, he happily became a full time, stay at home Grandpa.
Jim was a long time member of the Caney United Methodist Church. While in high school he was a member of Playmakers and worked for Graves Funeral Home. Jim loved to travel with his family; swimming; taking care of his cars, house and yard; he loved the time he spent surrounded by his family, especially his wife, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include his loving wife, Wilna Ruth Waggoner of the home; son, Mike Waggoner and wife, Meggin of Caney, Kansas; grandchildren, Mallory Waggoner and Michael King of Caney, Kansas, Emily Waggoner of Caney, Kansas; great grandchildren, Nolan James King and Alexis King; sister, Sylvia Estes and husband, Ferd of Caney, Kansas; uncle, Donald Aitken and wife, Dana of Independence, Kansas. He was also a loving grandpa to Mallory’s siblings, Kyler, Sam and Camryn. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his four aunts, Pauline Isham, Wilma Jean Griffin, Geraldine Willcoxon and Marjorie Anderson.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 1, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Caney, Kansas. Pastor Brad Sanders of Cornerstone Church in Caney will officiate. Burial will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery in Caney.
Following Jim’s wishes the casket will be closed. Friends may sign the guest register at David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville, Kansas on Sunday, June 30, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. During that time a video tribute will also be available. Family will greet friends Sunday afternoon at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family to help defray medical costs during this difficult time. Contributions can be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home 306 N. Cline, Coffeyville, Kansas 67337.
David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville is in charge of funeral arrangements.
To leave a message to the family, visit www.dwbfh.com
