James E. "Jim" Wendell

1932 - 2016

James "Jim" E. Wendell, passed away at age 83 on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. Jim was a father of eight who spent his career as a civil servant for the federal government, working for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and NASA, and his retirement researching, collecting, and curating Asian and African art. "Pappy," as he was called by his 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, was a scholar at heart with a thirst for knowledge and a keen interest in conveying his wisdom to others. As a gifted storyteller, his detailed, and oftentimes humorous, narration took the listener back in time and space to a history as rich as his family lineage, which he studied with devotion. His dignified and astute demeanor did little to conceal the enduring pain he felt from the loss of his late wife of 41 years, Audrey, in 1995. Never one to shy away from his values, he was a generous spirit with a bluesy soul. Everyone who knew him will sorely miss him. Survivors: He is survived by James Eugene "Gene" Wendell III, Glenn and wife, Jamie Wendell, Doug Wendell, Kathy and husband, David Wood, Jeanine and husband, David Byrge, Shari and husband, Gary Hollis, Kevin and wife, Cyndi Wendell, and Barry and wife, Jamie Day Wendell.