James A. "Pa" Waddell

James A. "Pa" Waddell, 70, of Olney, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.

James was born May 18, 1955 in Joliet, Illinois, the son of Fred, Jr. and Loretta Ellen (Grove) Waddell. He married Pamela Jo Jones on July 3, 1981 in Olney, and she survives.

James grew up in Plainfield, IL and was close to his grandparents, Gammie and Poppy, his Aunt Jen, and his cousins Lori and Jeanie. They spent their childhood on the DuPage River fishing. He served in the US Navy from 1973 to 1975 and was stationed in Puerto Rico. He was an EMT for RMH Ambulance Service in the 1980s and 90s. James was also a volunteer firefighter during that time and was a part of the Richland County Sheriff Dept. Auxiliary. He was an Auctioneer and Ringman for over 20 years. He worked in construction and was a member of the Boilermaker Local 363 from 2010 until he retired in 2017. James was also an all-around outdoorsman, and he enjoyed everything from hunting and fishing to camping and skydiving.

James is survived by his wife, Pam of Olney; sons, Robert (Anji) Scott of Taft, CA and James (Dawn) Waddell of Snyder, TX; daughters, Robyn Frazier (Alton) Lewis of Glen Carbon, IL and Lindsey (Brad) Morris of Olney; 14 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; sister, Peggy (Bob) Campbell of Olney; brother, Danny (Robin) Mullin of Olney, several nieces, nephews, and his constant companion, Maple.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Ellen Ruth.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney has been entrusted with arrangements.

Cremation Rites will be accorded, and a celebration of life will be held at a date to be determined.

Memorials can be made to Rolling Thunder, Illinois 3 or the Olney Tiger Bass Fishing Team.