Jimmy Waller's Obituary
Jimmy Dan Waller was born September 13, 1945 in Dallas, Texas to William and Melba Waller. Jimmy was the second of six children and remained close to his family throughout his life. He was also very close to his extended family, the Jones’ and the Holcomb’s. He was raised in the Dallas area, but was a country boy at heart, cherishing his childhood memories on the Jones farm. Jim joined the US ARMY in September 1964. In November of 1965 he went to Vietnam with the 25th Division. On May 29, 1966 he was hit with fragments from a mortar round but he stayed in the Army until his enlistment was over in September 1967. He received a Purple Heart for his service, sacrifice and bravery. He had a tremendous love for his country. Jim began working in concrete with Harvey Goad and the Holcomb boys in 1968. He continued until 1974 when he began working as an Equipment Operator at Gardner Denver where he was also Union Steward. He began working as a Security Officer in 1988, first at Prestonwood Mall then with Nortel. In September 2010, he retired and rededicated his life to the Lord, which gave a sweet peace of mind and joy in his heart. He had a calling and received a license to preach the Gospel Ministry in September 2011. A lot of things can be said for Jim Waller, but the thing that always remained the same is the LOVE for his family and friends. Jim Waller has always been proud of his wife and kids: Ruth (his wife), Kimberly, Tambra and John. He always felt that his step-kids were a part of his family: Patty, Rickey and Tommy. His grandkids have always been the “Apple of His Eye.” They are Tiffany, Kevin Paul, Nathanael, Justice, Able, Bethany, Jonathan, Michael and Josiah. His step-grandkids are Sandra, Maria, Kassie, Tommy Lewis, Amanda and Krissy. He was also blessed with great-grandkids, Rylie and Haley, as well as step-great grandkids Kearstin, Tanner, Angelo, Ranger, Michael, Eli, Arrow and Skylar. Jim always held a special place in his heart for his wife, Ruth. In fact, each of his wives had a place in his heart. Jim said that his life was given meaning on August 2 1968, December 26 1970 and May 23 1975. “Mary gave me two beautiful daughters and I thank you. Madeline gave me a strong, healthy son and I thank you. Lewis let me be a part of his kids lives; a young lady that we called Patty K, a young man with a guitar in his hands (Tommy), and a young man that was always with me (Rickey) and I thank you.” Jim has always had a closeness with his friends: he felt that his friends were like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day or maybe a burst of cool air on a hot day. Among his special friends are John Oliphant, Don Greene, Jim Miller, Mack Ramsey, Greg Gaines, James Wolford and Harry Thompson (Boss Man). He was also very close to Rev. Benny Cook. Jim enjoyed singing gospel music. It wasn’t unusual for him to walk around the house singing gospel music. His favorite hymn was Victory in Jesus. He says, “it seems that every time I sing this song, whether at church or at my house, big crocodile tears swell up in my eyes because I want to see Jesus and I am so thankful that my sins were forgiven.” He also enjoyed listening to Johnny Cash. Anytime he drove for any distance he always had Johnny Cash playing. Jim enjoyed fishing, working on projects around the house and was a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan. He also found joy in texting with his kids and grandkids. His favorite bible verse was St. John the 14th chapter, verse 1 through 6 because it tells of a reward to the saints. His favorite poem was Footprints in the Sand. Jim said, “My bible tells me that we will be known in Heaven, as we are known here on earth and we will have a spiritual body. The body that you see here will be put into the ground and it will turn back to dust, but the spiritual body will last for eternity. But I want to see all of the loved ones that have gone on before: Patty Green, Pa Jones, my Dad, Gracie Tucker, Minnie Ryer, Gail and Donna, Buddy Jones and Uncle Duck, Grandma Holcomb and Mama Jones, my brother Steve, DeWitt and I will join Ruth. But most of all, I want to see Jesus. This should be a TIME OF REJOICING because I have finally finished my course as the Bible says in 2 Timothy 4-7.” Jim is survived by his children (biological and by marriage) Kimberly, Ken, Tambra, Chad, John, Jewell, Tommy, Denise, Rickey and Vickie, and 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother Melba, his brothers David and Gary, and his sisters Becky and Darlene as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and dear friends. Jimmy is a beloved father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. He has spent his life loving others and asks that you do the same. In his words, “I don’t want anyone sad because I’m leaving. My heart and soul is right with God and I love my family and my friends dearly. Every now and again, I will be watching over you and waiting for you to come home with me; but for now I say “get over it” and I’ve gone to a better place. A place where there is peace and love and I’ll be waiting for y’all. So, I’m telling you to get on with your life and get in church and get right with God, and I LOVE ALL OF Y’ALL.” Jimmy passed away October 3, 2018.Visitation is October 8, 2018 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Restland Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held on October 8, 2018, at 11:00 am at The Memorial Chapel at Restland Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in the Court of Memories at Restland Memorial Park.
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