James W. Lomax

1925 - 2023

James W. Lomax

July 2, 1935 - Jan. 24, 2023

Jim Lomax of Woodway, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at St. Anthony's Care Center. Services will be 2 p.m., Saturday, February 4, at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Brandon McGinnis officiating. After the service, everyone will be invited to sing the "Good Ole Baylor Line" in the church courtyard. Visitation with his family will be 3 to 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 3, at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Boulevard, Waco.

James William "Jimmy" or "Jim" Lomax was born July 2, 1935, as the final child of Mary Jane and J.T. Lomax. They already had Jane Evans and Martha Ann Lomax. All four have preceded Jim in death.

J.T. was in business with his father in Meridian. His last business was J.T. Lomax Motors. When Jim became old enough, he became his dad's helper, from cleaning windshields to driving cars to their new owners.

When Jim entered Junior High School, sports were a new adventure for him. He tried them all! Football became his favorite and he played until he graduated. In high school, he received the Brooks Award for Outstanding Athletic Performance. In high school, he set records in track which were not broken until the 2000s. He attended Baylor University, where beginning his sophomore year, he was known as "The Goody Man" for selling sandwiches, chips, and lots of milk cartons to members of all the sports departments. Graduating in 1957, Jim was still recognized as "The Goody Man" at Baylor events.

After graduating, Jim enjoyed the bachelor's life. At first he sold insurance for Herb Barsh with the Burnett Agency. He sold the first dry copier for Thermo Fax before moving to Dallas. After a management adjustment, Jim talked with his father and they agreed Texas Coffin Company in Waco would be a good fit. Jim got the job which began a career that lasted 57 years.

Carolyn had followed him to Dallas and they came home when his probation period was finished. They dated and in March 1962, Jim proposed. Carolyn accepted with a grin on her face and joy in her heart, and they married Friday, June 1, 1962. Thus begun 60-plus years of being together.

A house was bought in July 1963 and life began. Four years of not having children made the wish stronger. Finally adoption was the answer and they submitted their application to the Edna Gladney Home in Fort Worth. Wonderful news arrived May 2, 1966 that a baby boy was ready to become theirs. In October 1966, the adoption was finalized, and their new life began. Jim, Carolyn, and J. Addison were a team. The three traveled and visited family. Then a little ache began for another child – a girl. Deborah Anne Lomax arrived in November 1968. J. named his sister by saying "It's going to be Debi." When they got home, they put her in a buggy and off they went, a group of happy people.

Awards for Jim were many, including being named "Funeral Supply Salesman of the Year," the highlight of his career. The room was filled with Texas funeral directors and his proud family.

Whether Jim was going to a soccer game, dance, or piano recital, he was proudly there. When Jim got home from sales trips, the car was gassed up and ready to roll on a new adventure. The children called Jim "Do Daddy" because he would be ready to do anything they wanted to do.

Today, Jim has seen one daughter-in-law get a PhD in Education, Dr. Rachel McQuilken Lomax; one daughter get a PhD in Nursing, Dr. Deborah Lomax Skillman; and one granddaughter get a PhD in Criminal Chemistry, Dr. Britni Nicole Skillman.

Jim has lived a good life and was ready to go when God called him home.

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