Jim Waltrip

1956 - 2021

Jim "Wally" Waltrip
Jacksonville - Jim "Wally" Waltrip, 64, of Jacksonville, died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at his home. He was born August 28, 1956, in Tacoma, Washington, the son of Gale and Bonnie Neutzman Waltrip. Jim married Kelley Chiti on December 22, 1995, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and she survives.
Jim is also survived by two sons, Justin (Amanda) Waltrip of San Antonio, Texas and Jacob Waltrip of Springfield; five grandchildren, Renna, Calvin, Raelynn, Vera, and Chanel; his parents, Gale and Bonnie Waltrip of Jacksonville, three sisters, Jeanne (Tino) Vasquez of Jacksonville, Laurie (Rick) Crews of Winchester, and Susan Waltrip of Springfield, and several nieces and nephews. In addition, Jim is survived by his in-laws, Bob and Betty Chiti of Staunton and brother-in-law Robert (fiancé, Shellie) Chiti of Scottsdale, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his nephew, Wyatt Crews.
Jim graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1974 and attended Illinois College. He was active in both football and baseball at both schools. Jim later owned and operated Wally's Place on East State Street and worked as a police officer in South Jacksonville. He eventually joined his father Gale in their family's real estate business, Waltrip Real Estate, where Jim has been an agent for nearly 30 years.
Wally had a special love for life and lived each day to the fullest. He loved children, especially his grandchildren, and gave his time coaching youth athletics at the YMCA, Elks Little League, Jacksonville Area Youth Football League, Pony League, Routt High School and MacMurray College. In his younger days Wally was an avid softball player and played for the Waltrip Real Estate and Whobe's Lounge teams, among others. He was an avid golfer and co-founder of the popular Longneck League in Jacksonville and enjoyed playing in tournaments and taking golf trips. He was a longtime member of the Jacksonville Elks and Moose.
Wally always had a smile on his face and a contagious laugh. Where there was Wally, there was laughter. He loved his family and was a good friend to all. He would do anything for anyone. Wally enjoyed hunting with his dad, cooking outdoors, and giving his countless friends a hard time. He met his match when he met Kelley and loved her with all his heart.
A visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday, August 9, 2021, at Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville. A celebration of Wally's life will be held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at The Links Golf Course at Nichols Park in Jacksonville. A time of sharing stories and anecdotes about Jim will begin at 5 p.m. and anyone is welcome to participate. Memorials are suggested to the Jim Waltrip Memorial Fund, which is being established to benefit area youth. The Williamson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.