Wilder James (Jim) Waite was born on May 12, 1927 in Oklahoma City to Wilder J and Doris (York) Waite. He was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 16, 2020.
Upon graduating from high school, Jim was drafted into the military and proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WW2. After boot camp he was stationed in Guam where he spent his time working on power diesel engines for generators.
When discharged from the Navy, he attended Oklahoma City University (OCU) where he graduated with a major in Business Administration. While attending OCU, he met the girl of his dreams, Helen Jeske. They were married October 25, 1952 remaining together for 65 years until Helen’s death in 2017.
Jim spent many years employed with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. Jim always felt it was important to serve his Lord and others. He was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church, the Lions Club where he drove their mobile screening unit for many years, the Special Olympics, A Chance to Change, Arts at Messiah as well as many others. He always had a joke to tell, or a story to share. Most would say that he also had an uncanny ability to convince others to “volunteer or serve” when needed.
He was preceded in death by his wife Helen, son Steven Mark, and brother Charlie Waite. He is survived by his son, Timothy Waite, and wife Cheryl (Schaeffer), as well as his grandchildren Javian and Isabel Waite, Eric Stratton and wife, Stephany, and great grandchildren Andrew and Zachary. He is also survived by his dear friend and sister in law, Mary Waite.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The American Cancer Society or Messiah Lutheran Church School in Oklahoma City.
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