James Allen Waggoner

James (Jimmy) A. Waggoner sadly passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, at the age of 69 on July 10, 2017, in Reno, Nevada. Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents Mary Elizabeth-Tracy-Waggoner-Watkins and Arthur Allen Waggoner. Surviving is his sister, Laura Beth Waggoner, his daughters Jennie Lynn Bowman (Chris) and Holly Beth Jiles (Michael), his niece, Nicole Denise Kennedy (Marshal), five grandchildren and countless number of friends in California, Nevada, and Texas.

Jimmy was born in Mound City, Missouri on November 21, 1947, to Mary Elizabeth-Tracy-Waggoner and Arthur Allen Waggoner. In 1948, Jimmy’s family moved from Mound City, MO to Northern California where they made Fair Oaks, CA their home. Jimmy graduated from Bella Vista High School in 1966. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force where he proudly served our country in the midst of the Viet Nam War. He received an Air Force Commendation Medal for his “significant role in contributing in the success of USA mission in Southeast Asia.” On numerous occasions Jimmy expressed his love for the people and the experience he gained while serving his country. After his tour in Viet Nam, he lived in Southern California. Jimmy loved the beach which challenged him to try his hand at surfing, and along the way he found he had a knack at painting. Jimmy became a journey-man painter and ultimately as master painter settling in the Sacramento, California area. In 2008, Jimmy moved to Weatherford, Texas to be with his sister Laura to care for their mother, Mary. After the passing of their mother in 2013, Jimmy and his sister moved from Texas to Carson City, Nevada, in 2014.

Jimmy was an avid music lover of the Grateful Dead, Carlos Santana, Jimmy Hendrix, Moody Blues and many more. Jimmy had a love for football and was a huge fan of the Raiders and 49ers. Everyone that met Jimmy referred to him as “Hippie Jimmy” or “Willie Nelson,” which always made him laugh. Jimmy was known for his flamboyant tie dye style, his love for astronomy, his quick wit, his jokes, and love for the American Indian culture, among many other cultures. He was a masterful trivia expert on just about any subject.

Jimmy has maintained longtime childhood friends and was fortunate to experience his 50th high school reunion in 2016, in Sacramento, California. He loved everyone and would give the shirt off of his back when he didn’t have a nickel to give. He will be terribly missed by everyone who knew or knew of him, including his feathered friend “Jerry,” a conuer parrot. Jimmy would not want people to mope or be sad, and would say, “don’t worry, be happy.” A celebration of his life will be held in Carson City, Nevada, at a date to be determined.

Jimmy is on the stairway to Heaven. He will be forever missed.

Arrangements under the direction of FitzHenry’s Funeral Home, Carson City, NV.