James Lee Waddell

James Lee “Jim” Waddell, age 78, a native of Knoxville, TN, passed from this life to his Heavenly home on Wednesday, February 2, 2022. Jim was born on August 27, 1943, to the late Wilma Lewis Waddell and Henry Ford Waddell of Knoxville, TN. On December 19, 1961, Jim married Brenda Simmons Waddell, his wife of 60 years. He was a 1961 graduate of Powell High School. Jim was saved in the early to mid-1960’s and became a devoted follower of Jesus. He became a Deacon at a young age while attending Walridge Baptist Church and attended there until approximately 1990. In addition, he served as a Deacon/Elder at First Baptist Church of Powell and served as the Senior Adults and Pastoral Care Elder. Jim retired on April 30, 2020, following a long rehabilitation from a massive heart attack on April 18, 2019. His desire and longing of his heart was to get back to work caring and serving for those of his ministry. Jim was also with the Knoxville Police Department Chaplain Corp. where he became a Chaplain on May 22, 2003 and served faithfully until his health failed while he was on duty. He is a KPD Chaplain Emeritus and earned the “Senior” credential of the International Corp of Police Chaplains. Jim cared deeply about his duties as a Chaplain. Jim was an avid fan of Dodger baseball. In addition to baseball, he loved UT football where he served as an usher for many years. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by sister; Sandra Jean Waddell Tindell; beloved maternal grandmother, Helen “Mama” Lewis; paternal grandparents, Lee Roy and Lydia Brabson Waddell. In addition to his wife, of 60 years, Brenda Simmons Waddell, he is survived by daughter, Lori Waddell Lay and husband Gerald; son, James Timothy “Tim” Waddell and wife Pam; grandchildren, Amanda Lay Cox and husband Shane, U.S. Army Capt. Matthew Ryan Lay and wife Maegan, U.S. Army Specialist Christian G. Lay, Luke Cockrum; great grandchildren, Jackson D. Cox, Brodey R. Cox, Easton L. Cox, Emma Beth (Elizabeth) Cox, Merrick G. Lay and Maelynn W. Lay; brother, Ron Waddell and wife Sue; sister-in-law, Fran Varnadore; aunt, Frances Waddell; several nieces and nephews. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, from 4:00pm until time of funeral service at 7:00pm at First Baptist Church Powell with Pastor Tim McGhee, Pastor Perry Garrett and Pastor Mike Powell officiating. Friends and family will meet on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at 12:00pm at Mynatt Funeral Home Halls Chapel to go in procession to Woodhaven Cemetery for a 1:00pm graveside service. Family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Sacred Ground Hospice House, 1120 Dry Gap Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918. Condolences can be left for the family at www.mynattfh.com