James Milan “Jim” Waggoner

Published 8:56 pm Thursday, December 18, 2014

JAMES MILAN “JIM” WAGGONER

Aug. 24, 1933 – Dec. 14, 2014

Dr. James Milan Waggoner of Raleigh, North Carolina died peacefully at home on Sunday, December 14th at the age of 81 and is with his Lord. Hav­ing enjoyed a blessed, healthy life for almost 80 years, Jim was diagnosed with cancer mere months ago. He remained optimistic and determined to the end.

We miss his stories and his laughter. We miss the way he could strike up a conversation with anyone, and invest that conversation with his curios­ity, his caring spirit, and his unique ability to be genuinely present in everything he did.

Jim loved family and the tra­ditions that bind us together. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and brother, and the very truest and best of friends. His pas­sions were myriad and includ­ed Elon University Athletics, trains, genealogy and family history, and the Lord.

Born in Jacksonville, FL to the late George and Stella Waggoner, Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Margaret Johnson of Smith­field, his brother, George J. Waggoner of Waltham, MA, children James M Waggoner Jr of Jacksonville, FL, Barbra W. Wait of Raleigh, Robert S Gaddy Jr of Knightdale, three grandchildren Milan, Loren, and Marshall, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Stella “Bunny” Hunter.

Jim’s easy way with people probably stemmed from his days as a performer. Starting at age 5 and into his teens, Jim was a professional tap dancer, performing in USO shows and more. Though he loved per­forming, Jim felt the call to serve God as a minister.

Jim’s lifelong interest in Elon Athletics began during his time as a student there, where he served as editor of the school paper and focused on sports. He earned his B. A. at Elon University, and remained their official sports historian until his death. After Elon, Jim went on to earn a Master of Divin­ity – Southeastern Seminary, Doctorate of Ministry – Inter­national Seminary, and also received Honorary Doctorates of Divinity from both the In­ternational Bible Institute and Jameson Christian College.

As a Methodist minister, James served at Calvary Bap­tist Church, Burlington, Davis St. Methodist Church, Burling­ton, Concord, Clover Garden & Orange Cha­pel Methodist churches in Ala­mance & Or­ange counties, Trinity Meth­odist Church in Beaufort Coun­ty, and Asbury & Whitley Me­morial Church­es in Smithfield. He taught for a time at Elon College High School and Elementary School. He also served as Chaplain of the Methodist Home for Chil­dren, Raleigh, where he and his family lived for 7 years and built fond memories.

For 20 years, Jim served as Chief of Chaplaincy and Advo­cacy Services, North Carolina Division of Youth Services, now the North Carolina De­partment of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Jim was proud of the work he did there with at risk youth, and honored to help the Lord work in their lives.

Jim was proud of the many accolades he garnered during his lifetime. Among them, he received a Distinguished Citi­zen Award from the Belhaven Chamber of Commerce, Em­ployee of the Year from North Carolina Division of Youth Services, was named in Who’s Who in Religion, and was in­ducted into Elon University’s Sports Hall of Fame for his work as sports historian.

Jim used to say of his child­hood nickname, “They call me ‘Shorty’ because they don’t make guys like me any longer.” Those who knew him know how true those words are. In recent years, he was “Papa” to many, especially the grandchil­dren for whom he was an ever-present loving, guiding figure.

We will gather to celebrate his life on Sunday, December 21 at 2:00 PM at St Mark’s United Methodist Church Raleigh, with burial follow­ing at Sunset Memorial Park, Smithfield. Visitation will be held from 4-6 PM Saturday at St Mark’s United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Mark’s United Methodist Church, 4801 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh, NC 27609

Online condolences may be sent to www.BrownWynneMi­llbrook.com