Obituary of James Richard Waddell

James Richard Waddell passed away at the age of 68, on May 13, 2019. Jim resided with the love of his life and wife, Janice, in Vancouver, WA. James was born on June 21, 1950 in San Jose, CA to Claudine and HR (Richard) Waddell. He graduated from Pioneer High School in 1968 and San Jose Bible College in 1972 with a degree in Pastoral Training. While Jim was growing up, he worked for his dad at Century Electric Co.After graduating from college, he worked at the Portland Police Department from 1973 until his retirement in 2001. For approximately 25 years, Jim was involved in Civil War Reenactments with the Northern Hospital, and played with the NCWC Third Brigade Band as the “heartbeat” of the band.In the last five years, he was involved with World War II Living History, again working with a field hospital unit.He thoroughly enjoyed these activities and the numerous friends he made. Jim also made a number of Civil War era shirts and vests and either gave them to friends, or sold them on-line. Jim had been involved with the Red Cross as a volunteer, and donated more than 13 gallons of blood over his life-time.He had a rare blood type that could be used for preemies so he was being called whenever he was eligible. Jim was also a Member of Portland Christian Center and involved in the choir - people who saw him singing thought he had the face “of an angel”! He would also burst out in song when working in the kitchen – usually hymns, but many times “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” – no matter what time of year!When his youngest granddaughter was visiting, she would run to find him when he was singing! Jim also sewed quilt tops for Portland Christian Center for a couple of years and was so touched by a recipient who informed him how much her quilt meant to her. James and Janice were so fortunate to have met and married in their 50’s – in announcing their engagement, he stood up in Sunday school class and everyone there gave them a standing ovation – they had been watching the courtship for months!The wedding took place in a friend’s home – and attendees have said it was the most fun wedding they had ever attended! Life was never dull between the two of them – he had a dry sense of humor – out of the blue he would come up with a statement that knocked you over! Jim loved spending time in the yard and making sure the birds and squirrels were fed. Thankfully, the morning of his death, they said their usual “I love you, have a great day”, and Jim always blew a kiss and Jan blew one back as she headed to work. Jim had a big heart for Israel and the people there.He also was very supportive of Jan going to Latin American countries with Little Davey Project. He went on one church building trip to Argentina and had thought he might go again. Jim was preceded in death by his son Nathan, and grandsons Stephen and Joe.Jim is survived by his wife, Jan, sister, Cathy Waddell; the mother of his children – Emilie, two sons, Ben (wife Bing), Aaron, and Nathan’s wife, Laura. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, two step-daughters, a step-son, six step- grandchildren, as well as cousins, nieces and nephews. Celebration of Life Services will be held on June 14, 2019 at 11 AM in the chapel of Portland Christian Center, 5700 SW Dosch Rd, Portland, OR 97239. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Little Davey Project, 19570 SW 90th Court Suite 300, Tualatin, OR 97062; Assembly of God World Missions – Rodney Boyd - https://giving.ag.org/Give/Details/600001-239271?MinistryName=Rodney%20Boyd&Page=0, or Portland Christian Center.