James Eugene Waggener

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Eugene Waggener, who departed this life on September 28 at the age of 88, in Petaluma, CA.

Born on December 1, 1936, in Sterling, Colorado, to Melvin and Evelyn Waggener, Jim spent his early years in Colorado and Laramie, Wyoming, before moving to San Diego, California, where he attended junior high and high school. He later studied Physics at San Diego State University, where he joined Sigma Chi Fraternity - a brotherhood that remained important to him throughout his life.

In 1959, Jim proudly joined the United States Navy, completed Officer Candidate School, and became a Lieutenant Avionics Maintenance Officer, Squadron Duty Officer. It was during his service that he met the love of his life, Navy nurse Carol King, at an officers' club in Alameda. He asked her to dance - and a year later, they were married. Their 63-year marriage would become the foundation of a beautiful life shared over decades.

After his Naval service, Jim began a long and successful career with Pacific Bell, which evolved into positions with AT&T and Southwestern Bell. His work in the phone company industry took him and his growing family from the Bay Area to New Jersey, then on to Napa, Sacramento, and Green Valley. No matter where life led them, Jim's dedication to family and friends never wavered.

He was a man known for his kindness, subtle humor, honesty, and gentle strength. A caring husband, steadfast friend, and an ever-watchful father, Jim had a subtle way of showing his love - whether it was making sure he was the last one down the ski hill to pick up the pieces, or inspecting his daughters' car tires during visits home with a quiet "Hey, sport... you may want to think about getting new tires."

Jim loved skiing, traveling, working with his hands, and cooking, both on his own and with his Gourmet Group of 47 years. He could often be found in the kitchen, on the slopes, or fixing something around the house.

He is survived by his wife Carol, his daughters Jennifer Lynn Livengood (Michael) and Cheryl Waggener Northfield (Mark), son-in-law John Anderson (Liz), and grandchildren Jack Anderson, Caroline Anderson, Lauren Livengood, Jamie Livengood, Blair Northfield, and Jane Northfield. He was preceded in death by his daughter Jill Waggener Anderson, who died of breast cancer at the age of 39.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Jim's memory to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. He will be buried at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery on November 13, 2025.