OBITUARY: Waymond Randolph James

Waymond Randolph James, 89, husband of Mildred Hobbs James of Rockett, TX, entered into the presence of His Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020 at Baylor Scott and White in Waxahachie, TX. He was born Mar. 8, 1931, in Clyde, TX, and was the son of Joseph Jefferson and Pearl Shelnut James.

After graduating from St. Joseph Academy in Abilene, TX, he began his career in the United States Air Force as a Communications Technician in multiple countries from 1950 to 1971, and retired as Master Sergeant. He and Mildred were married in October of 1952, celebrating 68 years together this year.

Upon retiring from the U.S. Air Force, Waymond went to work for Mountain Bell Telephone Company in Denver, CO eventually transferring to Southwestern Bell in Dallas, TX and retired from there in 1997. 

When he and his family moved from Colorado to Texas in 1975, they became members of Fundamental Baptist Church of Palmer, TX where Mildred and her family grew up attending. He served in numerous positions, such as bus driver, preacher, adult Sunday school and children’s teacher, choir member, song leader, and handyman. From 1982-1987, he attended and graduated from theological seminary in Dallas, TX and was officially ordained in 2000. He eventually became an Associate Pastor at Fundamental, and he and Mildred enjoyed leading the ministry to the senior citizens for many years up to the time of his passing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his older brother Eldon. 

He is survived by his wife Mildred Hobbs James, three daughters: Lisa and her husband Chris Ball of Midlothian, TX; Teresa and her husband Scott Hill of Midlothian, TX; and Amy and her husband Jared Douglas of Rockett, TX; grandchildren Alexis, Emily, Stan, Matt, Ashley, Katie, Jayden, and Allie; great grandchildren Colin, Cameron, Connor, and Lilly. 

He is also survived by his siblings Cleta Hatley of Clyde, TX, Connie James of Ft. Worth, TX, and Lonnie James of Arlington, TX, sister-in-law Ida James of Abilene, TX, brother-in-law Bobby Hobbs of Palmer, TX, sister-in-law Ruth Cady of Toole, TX, and by numerous nieces and nephews. 

Waymond enjoyed traveling, photography, spending time with family, singing, art, listening to music, appreciating nature and good food, learning new things, and telling people about Jesus. 

He was known as husband, Dad, Papaw, W.R., son, brother, preacher, teacher, uncle, pastor, mentor, handyman, friend, child of God, good neighbor, veteran, and soul winner. He loved his country, his wife, his family, his church, his friends, and made everyone feel loved and at ease who crossed his path. He never met a stranger.

He will be missed dearly by all who knew him and met him but we are rejoicing that he is finally in perfect health, joy, and peace forevermore with his heavenly Father.

The viewing was held from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 30, at J.E. Keever Funeral Home, 200 W. Jefferson in Palmer, TX. 

A Celebration of Life service was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Fundamental Baptist Church, 209 W. Jefferson, Palmer, TX.

Waymond will be honorably laid to rest at the DFW National Cemetery on Monday, Dec. 7.

The family is especially grateful to the wonderful “angel” nurses of Baylor Scott and White of Waxahachie for their exceptional and tender care for him in his last days with us, as well as, all of the wonderful love and support from family, church family, and countless friends all over the U.S. and the world.