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James Wadley Obituary

Professor James Bryce Wadley, 64, of Topeka, Kansas passed away January 1, 2010. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1945 to Bryce and Angelyn Wadley and was raised in Cache Valley, Utah. He received a Bachelor and Masters degree from Utah State University and also received his J.D. from Tulane University School of Law in New Orleans, where he met his wife Frances Fuller Wadley. James and Frances were sealed in the Ogden Utah Temple in 1972. He has been a professor at Washburn University School of Law since 1979. While at Washburn he taught in many subject areas including Agricultural Law, Water Rights, Entertainment Law, Creative Thinking for Lawyers, Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights, and Native American Law. He authored a number of books as well. James was also active outside of the law school serving as Circuit Court Judge for the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, and District Court Judge for the Prairie Band of Pottawatomie Nation. James was an outgoing man, who played many instruments. He had banjo fingers and directed the annual College Hill 4th of July band, and was involved in many community jazz bands. He really enjoyed volunteering and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was an artist with many talents, who had an office and house surrounded with his painting and talents. He served many years in the Sherwood Ward for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as Bishop and in many other areas. He was an Eagle Scout and served a two year mission for the church in Uruguay and Paraguay Mission. He is survived by his loving wife for 38 years Frances Wadley, his five children, Catherine Wadley, James (Terri) Wadley, Michael (Kaysea) Wadley, Brian Wadley, and Randall Nephi Wadley, five grandkids James and Lauren Wadley, as well as Bryce, Mitchel and KlaraLyn Wadley. He is survived by one brother Bob Wadley, and three sisters, Ann Ebert, Carma Wadley, and Joy Erekson. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as one child. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2401 SW Kingsrow Rd. Burial will follow in Prairie Home Cemetery. Professor Wadley will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:30 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Washburn Endowment Association in the Professor James Wadley Memorial Fund, 1729 SW MacVicar Ave., Topeka, KS 66604. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com. James Bryce Wadley

Published by Topeka Capital-Journal from Jan. 3 to Jan. 4, 2010.
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Prof. Wadley helped me to ground into Mother Earth. Property Law was my favorite, thanks to him.

Dortha Bird

School

December 7, 2022

I sadly learned this morning of Professor Wadley's death. He was a wonderful educator of law and life. Each day I am reminded of his words of wisdom about law and life. My life was enriched by being one of his many students. My most heart felt condonences to the Wadley family and the large number of people who were also inspired by him and greatly saddened by his death.

Thank you so much Professor Wadley.

Cynthia O'Conner

February 2, 2010

Jimmy & Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your memories bring you comfort.

Bonnie Price

January 25, 2010

Bishop/Professor Wadley was a great leader and example. I took real estate law from him at Washburn U. He was also my Bishop at church my first two years of law school. Bishop Wadley provided some pro-bono advice to me which was greatly appreciated. He shared of his time freely and was a wealth of information and interests. He was a jovial, friendly, humble man with multi-talents. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. He left a great legacy at Washburn University and in Topeka. He will be greatly missed.

Paul Oman

January 19, 2010

Reading all the messages that mention the many facets of Professor Wadley's personality, I feel sad I did not get to know him better while taking classes with him at Washburn Law. It was just over a year ago when I took Professor Wadley in my last semester. He always told jokes and stories with a twinkle in his eyes, and his kind heart was quite evident. I know I will never forget the costumes he wore to class on the Halloweens I spent at Washburn. Considering my sadness in learning of his passing, I can only imagine how sad Professor Wadley’s family and close friends must feel. Rest in peace Professor Wadley.

Joseph Moore

January 12, 2010

Bishop Wadley, you touched our lives and we are very saddened in hearing of your passing. Thanks for all the joy you have brought into our lives, for giving us the Flamingo Band experience, and for being a choice Bishop and true friend. We love you and how great it will be when we meet on the other side.

Taylor and Stephanie Hall

January 10, 2010

It has been three days since writing the note below and I only want to say that the legacy Jim leaves us is the love his children will wrap around their mother and his sweetheart, Frances.

January 5, 2010

Dear KaySea and Mike,
I so would have loved to have celebrated the life of Jim, there, with you tomorrow.
For me, here's what I know of Jim.
He's the Law Professor from Washburn University, the Kansas supreme court justice, the Indian reservation judge, the Poland visitor for the past few summers who helped them write their democratic law, the artist, the painter, the music lover of banjo's and bagpipes, the fisherman, the cucumber sandwiche maker, the man who taught me to can pears, the grand pa that my grandchildren will never have the benefit of hearing such a tender base voice and who never raised it and, yet, had the gift of gentle persuasion to guide and teach with the wisdom of a giant.
Oh to have the resurrection come now...I can't wait to have him come back for my grandchildren.
His mighty soul...may he come and visit them in their dreams.
Love,
Mom

Trudy Schuckers

January 8, 2010

I am sad for the loss of Jim to the many people who loved him. He was a good friend to me and a fun guy to know. I look forward to seeing him on the other side.
Randy Mundy (Riverton, UT)

Randy Mundy

January 7, 2010

Professor Wadley was a down to earth, compassionate man with a razor sharp mind. It was a great honor to have him as a professor for three of my law school classes. He will be deeply missed. God bless Professor Wadley and may he rest in peace.

Todd Aanenson

January 6, 2010

Dear Mrs. Wadley and Family

Certainly our sympathy to you all for your early loss.

I am a Washburn Law School graduate. Although I did not enjoy Professor Wadley as a student, I did enlist his aid several times when I was stuck. I enjoyed his enthusiasm, his conviction and his sense of humor. I also noted his lack of criticism which is a true gift.

Sending you prayers and Angels to assist you in the time to come.

Sincerely,

Nancy Lebrecht Martin
Three Forks, Montana, 59752
Class of 1990

January 6, 2010

Jim is a great man; The ultimate optimist. The hillbilly lawyer I will always strive to be. I am forever grateful for his encouragement to stay and complete law school. Love the fact he took on the city as to whether a pot bellied pig was a "house pet" within the definition under the city code. Even though I haven't seen Jim since 94, I cried when I saw the Washburn email he had passed. He is a great man who will be missed.

Aaron Prisbrey

January 6, 2010

I was also one of Professor Wadley's students some twenty years ago. I enjoyed his class teachings then as well as many of his C.L.E. presentations over the years since then. I pray for peace and blessings upon the Wadley family.

Stephen D. Harris

January 6, 2010

Although I never had Prof. Wadley for a class I remember his smile around campus and remember many other students loving his classes. My deepest sympathy to the Wadley family and the Washburn Law School family. Shantele Elmy, Washburn Law C/O 2001

January 6, 2010

Professor Wadley was one of my favorite professors at Washburn Law . . .in fact, he was instrumental in helping me graduate! My deepest sympathies to the Wadley Family.

Mary O

January 6, 2010

My sincere and heartwarming condolences go out to his family during this difficult loss. He was a great professor during my education period at Washburn School of Law. May god bless him and his family.
Efrain Soto, Washburn Law Class of 2004

Efrain Soto

January 6, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wadley family.

Jon & Becki Pritt

January 6, 2010

Bishop Wadley was a great man. He was my leader, my mentor, my teacher and my friend. He is and was one of those people that you cannot imagine not being around to be able to call for advice or a bit of friendly conversation. He was there for me and my family when my son was born with complications, he was there when we suffered a terrible car accident, he was there when we needed help moving in and out of the area. He was there for every family through the good and the bad. I am extremely saddened to hear of his passing but I take comfort in the fact that he is now with God; and that his work will go on.

Michael Glassford

January 6, 2010

Our deepest sympathies to Judge Wadley's family.

Iowa Tribal Police Dept.

January 6, 2010

Brother James Wadley is a kind charitable soul. I always enjoyed listening to his counsel and life stories. He was able to provide me some good perspectives a few times (bishop to bishop). I will miss his laugh. 'till we meet again.

To the Wadley family -- May the peace and comfort of our Savior rest in your hearts at this time. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Kurt & Jana Gunnell

January 5, 2010

I remember Jim took our little family out on his sailboat on Lake Shawnee. He was always kind and open and took an interest in my religious growth and in helping our family over some rough patches. I hope by the time I'm 64 I can claim as many friends and have as much influence as he did, though I doubt that's possible given what an amazing man he was.

James Scott

January 5, 2010

Jim will be missed by our family - I remember his sense of humor and his love for his family. Cricket - we are thinking of you and you and your family are in our prayers.

Marie Warnick

January 5, 2010

Our 12 or so years in Topeka wouldn't have been the same without Jim and Francis Wadley. Their home was always open to us for 4th of July water fights,parades and marching bands, Christmas "get-togethers",etc. where there was an abundance of creative fun, great food, and activity. They also babysat our kids. Jim leaves a void in countless numbers of our lives. We can all strive to follow his example as best we can in scattering sunshine, creativity, and caring around us.

Julie Rideout

January 5, 2010

Dear Frances, Mike & KaySea and all of the Wadley Family,
Jim was such a character-he will be missed by so many. We always had fun when we were all together-especially when he played the banjo and sang. I remember he wore that derby hat to KaySea & Mike's reception-what a distinctive touch! Please know that you are all in our prayers as we lift you up, trusting in the Resurrection of our Risen Lord.

Susie & Butch Walling

January 5, 2010

My deepest sympathies to Professor Wadley's family.

Jim Thompson

January 5, 2010

I just know he is in a better place and is watching down over his wonderful family. My best wishes to those who are morning over the loss of such a great man.
My Best Regards,
Valerie Marchello Gailey

Valerie Marchello Gailey

January 5, 2010

I will always remember him, his kindness and friendship. I will never forget the times he made us laugh.i just lost my mom two months ago and i know what his family feels. I will pray for them and hope they will find peace remembering him and what he gave them. Thank you for your example.

maria cooper

January 4, 2010

Our family are all saddened by the loss of Bishop Wadley. It was him and the ward that made our transition easier when we came to Topeka, KS. We have many fond memories of him in the many activities that were held in the ward. He had an authentic costume for every event. We will never forget the day that he shot the shotgun (blank) during a ward play.
We were also blessed to have a piece of his artwork that he and Peggy McCawley did for me that was a drawing of my sister and me as children. We love it and will cherish it always!!
We send all of our love to Frances and the family. Thank you for sharing Bishop Wadley with all of us. We have truly lost a great and talented man!
All our love, prayers, and sympathy--
The Crapo Family
Mike, Jill, Ben and Alex

Jill Crapo

January 4, 2010

Very sorry to hear about Jim Wadley passing. I did not know him well but I was aware of how good of man and Christian he was; that he lived his life fully, and I respected the way he treated all people. He will be missed, and I am glad that I knew him.

Bill Loebel

January 4, 2010

Words? Oh Frances - No mere words will suffice here. As we go from day-to-day each year, for nearly every occasion or event there is a happy memory of you and Jim. Thank-you for sharing your time and companion over the years. Now we ALL have many happy memories.

Melissa Overson

January 4, 2010

I, too, am saddened to hear of Bishop Wadley's passing. He was certainly a great man and was a true servant of the Lord. Speaking of his musical ability, I remember one evening the Relief Society sisters were treated to a dinner served by the brethren... and we were serended by Bishop Wadley. May the love of our Heavenly Father and his Son bring comfort and peace to your family.

Jenniffer Meyers

January 4, 2010

I hope that Professor Wadley's family can take some comfort in knowing that he touched many lives and was admired by his students and appreciated. His passing will be felt by everyone that knew him.

Whitney Miranda

January 4, 2010

I have many fond memories of Professor Wadley from Law School, however my favorite one is telling people that as part of a class he threw me off a cliff. Who would ever think that rappelling would be part of a law school class. But Professor Wadley not only taught us to rappel, but in the process taught us to think in different ways. He taught us to look at every situation and find a unique path to take to arrive at the end of the trip. Washburn Law school has loss one of its gems. I am better for having known him and express my sincere condolences to his family and loved one.

Jack Kaplan

January 4, 2010

May the Lord bless his wife and children.

Paul Shipp

January 4, 2010

Jim Wadley - a gentle giant and treasured friend. It was our joy and privilege to know him. He leaves an enormous hole in the community and lives of people he taught and befriended. All our love to Francis and the rest of the Wadleys.

Bob & Becky Clinton

January 4, 2010

I am so saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was a colleague of mine at Washburn for many years. He managed to combine erudition and worldliness with humor and down to earth common sense. He always had time to lend an ear when I needed information or just to vent. I'm lucky enough to have a beautiful painting he did for me when I left teaching. I'm so sorry for your family's loss. I will always carry fond memories of Jim's generous spirit.

Ellen Byers

January 4, 2010

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Wadley family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Ray, Lupe Tinoco & family

Lupe Tinoco

January 4, 2010

My condolences to Catherine and her family. I worked with her at a local retirement center & I remember her dad & the band volunteering to play. They were great! He was a very nice person
& we really enjoyed them. Your family is in our prayers.

Mark & Mile' Wallace

January 4, 2010

Our prayers go out to the whole Wadley family. I remember him kindly giving a lesson to the University Branch Relief Society on car maintenance for his daughter Cricket and crawling under the car to show us how to change oil and check for common mechanical problems. He made everyone laugh as he personified cars- talking about their feelings and habits. We didn’t know he was a lauded law professor. Brother Wadley never flaunted his accolades. That day he was simply a dad getting his clothes all greasy to keep a bunch of college kids stay safe on the roads. Professor/Brother Wadley epitomized a true renaissance man who showed us all that intelligence thrives with art, music, philosophy, and most importantly -true charity. His uniqueness and idealism brought optimism to his fellow saints, his students, and his neighbors. We will never see the depths of faith and charity he extended on a regular bases and what effect those actions had on this community. What a sad day this is for us all. We look to the reassurance of God’s plan for the future. Our prayers and thoughts go to his family, as well as a special 'thank you' to Brother Wadley.

no name

January 4, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Royetta Rodewald

January 4, 2010

Jim will be missed. I suppose heaven had a position open for a musician. He appeared in my life at a much needed time. He help me find joy I had lost through his fun and music and creative ways of thinking. God send those he needs to do his work. Thank you to his family for sharing him during his sabatical in Carbondale Illinois.

Ron Dunkel

January 4, 2010

January 4, 2010

I was completely stunned to hear the news of Professor Wadley’s passing this week. I lost my own father at a similar age, but it still seems too young.

Professor Wadley had one of the brightest minds of anyone I ever knew. His interests and talents were incredibly broad and he was a true renaissance man. He never seemed to have anything but absolute kindness and compassion for any person or any creature he ever encountered. He strove to teach these same values to his children, his students, members of his church, and those in his community.

When I first moved to Topeka as a fish out of water to begin law school he and his family went to great lengths to invite me over to dinner, get me involved in local activities, provide transportation when I didn’t have a car and provided encouragement at times when I felt only discouragement.

(How many professors or teachers have any of the readers here had who go that far out of their's or their family's way to help a student?)

I know that he would be proud of the traits of compassion, sensitivity and service that his children have also incorporated into their own lives; and their lives are a tribute to his.

Professor Wadley was our faculty advisor when traveling in law school competitions. I saw him reinstate a classmate’s interest in playing the trombone and then went on to teach that student to play the mandolin and provide other guidance for stress management both in law school and throughout life. I personally saw him successfully advise and encourage more than a dozen separate students who had each faced the choice of whether or not to give up during the rigors of law school.

Professor Wadley had a great love for the Native American people he served and worked with, he loved his students, and he loved his family.

Whether in his church affiliations or in his community at large he was a rare and ardent advocate for the underdog and the underprivileged. He was never judgmental, was one of the most forgiving people you could hope to meet, and believed always that everyone was entitled to equality and to 2nd chances.

He will be missed for all that he was and all that he did. But he will also be missed for all that he could yet have done and for those he could yet have helped. He was a true and devout follower of Christ and his passing is simply too soon.

Having lived the pain myself in my own father’s untimely passing, I wish to send my sincerest condolences to all of Professor Wadley’s family and a public statement of gratitude for all that they did for me in a time of need. May God grant understanding and peace at this very difficult time . . .

Robert Collins

January 4, 2010

Frances and kids,
We are so saddened to hear of Jim's passing-I am so happy Steve was able to visit with him before Christmas-He was such a kind, funny and generous man-He will be missed! Our prayers are with you at this time!

Maria & Steve King

January 4, 2010

I cannot speak of Jim in the past tense because his influence on my life will go long into the future. It never crosses Jim Wadley's mind that failure is a possibility. He has the greatest faith in everyone around him. He assumes the best in everyone and encourages them to achieve it. If I can be half the man Jim is. If I can have a fraction of his influence for good I will consider myself a success. Professor, bishop, brother and compassionate friend. Thanks Jim

Frances, what would we have done without you when Lisa and I were poor, struggling students? Thank you.

James Fleetwood

January 4, 2010

I was fortunate to have had Prof. Wadley for several classes while in law school. I had another advanced degree (doctorate in cell biology and genetics) and encountered many outstanding educators, but of them all, Prof. Wadley still stands apart. He, more than anyone else, taught students how to learn and to bring ideas together. Prof. Wadley was brilliant but never pompous. His love of the law, teaching and life in general was genuine and it showed in all he did. As with many extraordinary lives, his was ended way too soon. I pray his family takes condolence in knowing he will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Denise Riemann

January 4, 2010

Brian and family,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope time and fond memories help heal the pain. Take care of each other.

Brea Black

January 4, 2010

I remember Jim all the way back to Randolph Elementary.What and asset he was, and how missed he will be. My thoughts and prayers go out to Frances and the kids.

Kate (Harder) Smith

January 4, 2010

I am so sorry to hear of Professor Wadley's passing. I have known him some years and he was such a caring man. I will always remember his for his counsel and compassion during some of my trying times. He was a very caring bishop. I enjoyed his humor and other amazing talents. My heart goes out to Sister Frances and her family.

katherine varney

January 4, 2010

My thoughts and condolences for the Wadley family. The Professor was both a personal inpiration and a true educator for many both at school and in life and he gave himself unselfishly to those who listened.

What a special man.

Thad Sullivan

January 4, 2010

We will miss Brother Wadley so very much and we love him; the way he entertained with his many talents in playing music and how he organized many a talent show for the Church activities. We also enjoyed activities in his home around holidays and working with him in the Scout program and working with the church youth! Until we meet again Jim!!!!
Love, Dennis & Martha Miller Colly Creek Ward
Frances and children ; you are each in our thoughts and prayers at this time; may you be comforted by the Holy Spirit which surpasses all understanding at this time in your hour of sorrow. We love you!

Dennis/Martha Miller

January 3, 2010

Oh, how we loved Bishop Wadley! We never knew what we were going hear coming out of his mouth, a dry joke, sympathy, a lecture, a brief (or long) historical account or better yet, a story from his family, life or marriage. We will always remember Bishop Wadley to be a man of faith, compassion, humor, collections and great testimony. Our love and prayers are with Francis and the rest of the Wadley family. We love you so much

Blendi & Bonnie Kokona

January 3, 2010

I was one of Professor Wadley's students back in 1984. I was an older student and also got married during law school, and was subject to an enormous amount of stress. After some disillusionment with the "system" one day I walked into Professor Wadley's office, intending to vent before I walked out and quit forever. He was kind, patient and compassionate. He talked me into staying and said the profession needed people like me.
For the rest of the time I was in school, he encouraged me and helped me many times. I have been a practicing attorney for many years now. Were it not for Professor Wadley, I could not say that. I owe him a great deal.
I am not a Mormon but believe our Lord looks on the heart and know he lived his faith, and I am also a Christ follower. I fully expect to see my friend at a later date in God's kingdom and pray that his family will be comforted by the memories of this great and honorable man.
In my entire life I cannot think of anyone I have respected more. May he rest in peace.

Thomas Shadoin

January 3, 2010

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend Bishop Wadley. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, his ward family and friends. We will always remember him for his testimony, his charity and compassion, his endless talents and his sense of humor. It has been a privilege to know him in life and we pray that the Lord's Spirit will bring the comfort and peace that only the Spirit can give to all those who mourn. Our thoughts are with you.

Justin and Jennifer Maner

January 3, 2010

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