James Jim Wesley Wakefield's Obituary
Obituary
James Jim Wesley Wakefield passed away on September 12, 2008. He was born on March 17, 1943, in East St. Louis, Illinois, but lived most of his early life in Tyler, Texas. He was a 1961 graduate of John Tyler High School. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
Jim married his high school sweetheart Judy Carolyn Lee in 1964. After graduation from college, Jim and Judy made their home in Longview, Texas, where he was employed by Texas Eastman Chemical Company for 37 years in several capacities. He retired from Texas Eastman in 2004 as Superintendent of Field Services, and began a new career at Gregg Industrial Insulators.
Jim was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where, over the years he served as a Sunday school teacher, helped with mission trips, and was on the administrative board. He also served on the board of the East Texas Safety Council. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed hunting with his son and friends.
His sister Bernice Hasty preceded him in death. He is survived by his parents, Louise and Wesley Wakefield, of Richland, Washington, his wife, Judy, his son, Weston Lee and his wife Erica and granddaughter, Clara, of Las Colinas.
Services for Jim will be Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at First United Methodist Church in Longview. Visitation will be at 1 PM in the foyer of the sanctuary with the service to follow at 2 PM. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tyler following the service.
Pallbearers will be Mike Childress, David Dunlap, Joe Bob Joyce, Tommy Merritt, Steve Metcalf, James Mowery, Charles Newkirk, James Ray, and Eddie Williams.
Memorial contributions may be made to Asbury House care of First United Methodist Church of Longview, 400 North Fredonia, Longview, Texas 75601.
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