James Loye Wagoner

James grew up in Denver, Colorado. He graduated from Manual High School in Denver, Colorado in 1958. After high school he joined the U.S. Army and served in Germany. James later attended college at Metropolitan State College in Denver, Colorado where, in 1970, he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. He returned to college and attended the University of Colorado where he earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling in 1972. James continued his studies by taking classes in education and counseling at the University of Northern Colorado and University of Denver.

James began working for Metropolitan State College in 1969. First as Assistant to the Director of Financial Aid and Placement and in 1970 he became Assistant Director of Admission and Records. From 1972 to 1985 James was a Professor of Psychology at Front Range Community College. He then moved to California where he worked as a Guidance Counselor at Fort Ord Army Base. Another move took him to Phoenix, Arizona where he became owner and operator of OJC Transfer and Delivery Service, Inc. from 1986 through 1997 when he retired.

James married Ora Bruno in 1966 in Denver, Colorado. They were happily married for 47 years. James enjoyed spending his time reading and, most of all, keeping track of his favorite teams in Basketball (NY Knicks), Baseball (LA Dodgers) and Football (Denver Broncos). Since he was such a sports “expert”, James was a frequent participant in a sports talk radio program in Denver. Affectionally known as Daddy Wags, he was occasionally a guest commentator on that program.

James was preceded in death by his father and mother, Reuben and Jimmie Wagoner and his sister, Dottie Wagoner.

He is survived by his spouse Ora Wagoner of Tempe, Arizona; daughter Lori Wagoner of Chandler, Arizona; son Marc (Lisa) Wagoner of Framingham, Massachusetts; brother William (Sheila) Wagoner of Denver, Colorado; brother Robert (Lorrie) Wagoner of Denver, Colorado; grandchild Parker Wagoner and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews and other relatives.