James "Jim" Clay Waggenspack

Jim was the heart of the family. He was the second of four children, and despite his disabilities, filled his home with joy and entertainment. He loved talking sports with anyone who listened…so much so that his mother imposed a one-sport limit at dinner table conversations. He was allowed to discuss whatever sport was in season but had to refrain from bringing up any other sport until that season began. His favorite teams were the LSU Tigers, New Orleans Saints, Houston Astros, and any collegiate teams associated with his siblings, nieces, and nephews. The harshest insult he ever lobbed at anyone was to announce he would never be rooting for that person’s “wimpy team.”

He had nicknames for his parents and siblings. He was preceded in death by his father, Clay Waggenspack “Daddy-da-boy” and his mother, Augusta Waggenspack “Mamagirl”.

He is survived by his sisters, Claire Hayes “Clairegirl” and her husband, Keely, Anne Sporn “Lun’ Lady” and her husband, Tom, and brother John Waggenspack “Young Man” and his wife, Dana; nephews, Steven Whitley and his wife, Becky, Spike Schwab, James Waggenspack, and Philip Sporn; nieces, Lauren Schwab, Chrissy Schwab, Margaret Whitley, Catherine Williford and her husband, John, Sarah Daniel and her husband, Wilson; and five great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his nephew Sam Sporn.

He loved his aunts, uncles, cousins and their families fiercely and they loved him. He had many friends in Hammond where he lived in his group home since the 1990’s, in Baton Rouge where he grew up, and everywhere he visited. As his beloved cousins wrote, "Jim was one of the most amazing people we’ve ever known."

Many thanks to the kindness and care given by the staff and providers at Strawberry Patch’s Jake Drive Community Home, Bright Care Home Care, Heritage Healthcare of Hammond, and North Oaks Medical Center.

Jim’s celebration of life will be held on Monday, July 8th at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge. Visitation will be held from 10AM to 11AM; with service beginning at 11AM. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Donations in his memory may be made to Jim’s group home: Hammond Strawberry Fields Inc., 14455 University Avenue Hammond, LA 70401.