James L. "Jim" Waddell, Jr.

James L. Waddell, Jr. passed away, October 10, 2010 in Midland, Texas. He was born January 15, 1921 to James L. Waddell Sr., and Gladys Stone Waddell in Sylvester, Fisher County, Texas. He grew up in Roby, Texas Capitola Community, Fisher County and Sweetwater, Texas. He graduated from Newman High School, Sweetwater, Texas. He was drafted in the U.S. Air Force in 1942. He married M.E. Kidd that same year. After training on a B24 Bomber he was sent to the European Theatre of World War II. James was stationed with the 15th Air Force in North Africa and Italy flying in 50 missions over European countries. He was wounded and received the Purple Heart, Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and 3 Battle Stars. After three and one-half years in the Air Force he returned home and enrolled at Texas A & M University, later transferring to Texas Tech University. While at Tech he was a member of the Block and Bridle Club and a member of the Texas Tech Agriculture School's cattle judging team for 2 years. He judged in Kansas City, Missouri, Chicago, Illinois and also Fort Worth, Texas. He was chosen as Texas Tech's first Aggie of the Year Award and graduated in 1950. After graduation, he went to work for Shell Pipeline Corporation in Odessa, Texas. In his job as Right-of-Way and Claims Agent he lived in Colorado City and Midland. He bought the Right of Way for the Four Corners Pipeline from Farmington, New Mexico to Los Angeles, California. J.L. was a member of the District Right of Way Association #35 and their Man of the Year in 1982 as well as a member of the Petroleum Pioneers. He retired from the Pipeline Corporation after 35 years of service. Jim was an avid fisherman, bird, deer and pheasant hunter being noted for his marksmanship. He and his wife, M.E., traveled by camper through most of the United States, even traveling from California to New York one year! James was preceded in death by his 15 year old daughter, Debbie, his parents, and 2 sisters, Kathleen Whitworth and Jean Natsche as well as his step-mother Ruth Bly. Jim is survived by his wife of 67 years, M.E. Waddell of Midland; 2 daughters, Kimberly Foster of Bullhead City, Arizona, and Laura Ashley Waddell of Midland, Texas; 2 grandsons, Jon James Waddell and Martin Ray Waddell; one great- grandson Cody Waddell and one great-granddaughter, Emma Waddell. Also surviving are 3 nieces, Linda Luckey, from Sweetwater, TX, Glenda Fisher of Grapevine, TX and Joan Lyons from Paris, TX, seven sisters-in-law, Frankie Toland and Betty Steele, both of Sweetwater, TX; Margie Flint of Waurika, OK; Ann Cearly of Denver, CO; Jane Collins of Centerville, TX; Wanda Jordan of Crockett, TX and Betty Kidd of Eastland, TX; one brother-in-law, L.C. “Corky” Steele of Sweetwater, TX and many other close relatives. James was a member of Golf Course Road Church of Christ. The family will receive friends Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at Ellis Funeral Home between the hours of 5:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. Services will be Thursday, October 14, at 2:00 p.m. at the Ellis Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating at the service will be Reverend Dr. Cynthia Cearley of Denver, CO. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com. Pallbearers will be Walter King, Jon Waddell, Ray Waddell, Joe Bates, Jr., L.C. Steele and Aaron Steele. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Midland Christian School, 2001 Culver Midland, Texas 79705.