James "Jim" William Waddell, Jr.

James William Waddell, Jr., age 76, affectionately known as Jim, Daddy, or Poppy, was born on February 27, 1949, and passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025, at Sugar Creek Retirement Center, with his daughter by his side. Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 2:30 PM, at the First United Methodist Church with Dr. Roger Penn officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:30 PM until the service time of 2:30 PM in the First United Methodist Church in Brownsville, TN. Burial will follow at the Chestnut Grove Cemetery in Brownsville.

Jim graduated from Haywood High School, where he served as class president and was a standout athlete and classmate. He continued his education and football career at Tennessee Technological University, where he received numerous honors, including All-OVC honors and the Captain’s Award for leadership and dedication and found lifelong friends and teammates.

After college, Jim moved to Jackson, TN, where he began coaching and teaching at Old Hickory Academy (now University School of Jackson). He married his childhood friend and high school sweetheart, Lynne Richards Waddell, and together they raised two children, Jake Waddell and Jayme Waddell Spencer.

Jim began his career with Vulcan Materials in 1974, which took him to Nicholasville, KY, before ultimately bringing him back home to Brownsville, TN. He made a lasting impression on his customers and coworkers and always had the company’s best interest at heart.

Known far and wide as the ultimate prankster, Jim found joy in making others laugh—whether by teasing and startling his young nieces and nephews, cracking jokes with his grandchildren, or pulling playful tricks on the staff and residents at Sugar Creek. His humor was bold, his presence unforgettable, and his heart immense.

He was an enthusiastic fan of politics, sports, and the great outdoors. His grandmother Theddie instilled in him his love for gardening and many of his friends and family enjoyed his personal deliveries of fresh vegetables. The times he shared with Jake and the field trial club were some of his fondest. His voice—cheering, coaching, or passionately debating—could be heard at every field or gym where his children or grandchildren competed.

Though his later years were marked by heartbreak and health challenges, especially after the devastating losses of his wife, Lynne, and his son, Jake, Jim never lost his sense of humor or his love for his people. His devotion and care for his mother was unparalleled.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lynne Richards Waddell; his son, Jake Waddell; and his father, James William Waddell.

Jim is survived by his loving mother, Peggy Watson Waddell; his devoted daughter, Jayme Waddell Spencer (Justin); his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Jones Waddell; his sisters, Kathy Waddell Hayes (Steven) and Amy Waddell Tipton; his brothers, Curt Waddell and Dan Waddell (Heidi); and his cherished grandchildren, Stella, Noah, Ben, and Jack Spencer; Hallie and Harper Waddell, Kiersten Watkins (Gavin), and Kalyn McRae (Tillman).

Pallbearers for the service will be Dan Waddell, Steven Hayes, R.C. Waddell, Boyd Richards, Clay Richards, Justin Spencer, Tom Tipton and Braxton Waddell.

Honorary Pallbearers for the service will be Phil Brown, Jim Bishop, Steve Dennison, David Fair, Jim Youngblood, Larry Schrieber, Terry Parks, Jerry Hughes, Curt Waddell and Sonny Waddell.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, loyalty—and more than a few legendary stories. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the good fortune to know him.  The family requests that memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church, 117 E. Franklin St., Brownsville, TN 38012.  All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.