James William "Jimmy" Waibel

James William "Jimmy" Waibel, 84, passed away at his home Monday July 14, 2025 surrounded by his family. James was born August 14, 1940 in Fort Wayne, Indiana and moved to Lakeland Florida at the age of 12. It was while attending Lakeland High School that James met his lifelong partner and wife Margaret Sheafer. James graduated from Lakeland High School class in 1959 and then went on to serve as a member of the Florida National Guard, reaching the rank of Staff Sargent. James also attended Polk State College. He was a life long entrepreneur in Lakeland, FL including Waibel Construction, Waibel Competition, Combee Road Auto Parts and Machine Shop, Guns Galore, and Precision Automotive Machine. Jimmy was an avid drag racer in National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Stock and Super Stock classes. He and Margaret traveled the country racing and success came by winning the Florida State Championship in 1964, 1965, and 1966. He then went on to win the Division 2 Championship in 1968. Jimmy then joined the famed Smothers Brothers Racing Team as the driver of the King Olds car out of Fort Lauderdale. In 2002, Jimmy was inducted into the NHRA Division 2 Hall of Fame. He has been credited for over 150 National records between NHRA and IHRA, and this passion for drag racing still continues today through his son and grandson. Together, Jimmy and Margaret spent many years volunteering in the Lakeland community and beyond. They spent decades attending and serving in all areas of First Methodist Church, the Vanguard Sunday School Class, and North Lakeland Kiwanis. They each respectfully served as president of the North Lakeland Kiwanis Club and Lt. Governor for the state of Florida. Jimmy was also a founding member and served as president of the North Lakeland Merchant Association. Jimmy is survived by his bride of 65 years, Margaret Waibel; brother Ken Waibel; daughter Debbie Hannifan and husband, Jay Hannifan of Lakeland Florida; son Jeremy Waibel and wife, Ramona Waibel of Fort Meade Florida; grandsons Noah and Nathan Hannifan both of Lakeland Florida; Jacob Waibel and wife Jennipher Waibel of Sebring Florida; Joshua Waibel and fiañce Victoria Klein of Brandon Florida. He is preceded in death by his parents Arnold and Mildred Waibel, sister in law Faith Waibel, grandson Kevin James Waibel, along with many of his friends. Services will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at Gentry Morrison Funeral Home -Serenity Gardens Chapel, 3350 Mall Hill Drive, Lakeland, Florida. Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. with services to follow at 10:00 a.m.