Jimmy Waldrep

James (Jimmy) P. Waldrep, 71, of Folkston, Georgia, passed away at the UF Health Emergency and Urgent Care on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. He was born in Ganado, Texas, to the late Adolphus (Frank) Waldrep and Beulah (Midge) Waldrep.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Kimberly Elmer Waldrep (dec 1997); his second wife, Vikki Waldrep (dec 2018); his daughter, Courtney Giles (dec 2022); siblings, Art Waldrep (2014) and Debra Thornbrue (2024); and nephews, Billy Fee (1973) and Sy Minton (2016).

He is survived by two loving sons, Steven J. Waldrep, of Statesboro, GA, Mason A. Waldrep of Guam and his daughter, Nikki Birlingmeir of PA; three sisters, Charlotte Wright (James) of Pflugerville, TX, Jackie Berry (Roy) of Folkston, GA, and Jill Peck (Bob) of Benson, AZ, and numerous nieces, Lee Rolette (TX), Sheila Heggood (Brian) (FL), Tiffany Minton (AZ), Sarah Waldrep (MO), Amy Waldrep (MO), and nephews, Jay Rolette (Nidia) (TX), Chris Berry (GA), Aaron Waldrep (MO).

A memorial service will be at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Folkston Church of Christ at 228 Kingsland Drive in Folkston, GA, with Bro. Larry Steward officiating and Jim Kennemer leading the congregational singing. The family will receive friends after the service.

Jimmy was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ. As a teenager, preached and led singing at the Church of Christ in Seadrift, TX. He enjoyed hunting, motorcycling, traveling, thrifting and auctions.

Also, he played baseball at Victoria High School Baseball until he started bull riding for money at rodeos around Texas and Oklahoma where he won several buckles.

He graduated from Victoria High School in 1972 and immediately joined the U. S. Navy.

Chief Petty Officer James Waldrep retired from the U.S. Navy in May of 1995. Then, he turned to managing Tandy Leather Stores. He learned to work with leather and became an accomplished saddle maker. He even taught classes working on leather to various clubs.

More than anything, he loved spending time with his family, which included his dogs. Even as a boy, he had dogs. He taught one, Brownie, to climb up a ladder, but he never could teach him to get down.

The family wishes to thank the Hilliard Care Center in Hilliard, FL for the care they gave Jimmy in his last days. Thank you, also to Shepard Roberson Funeral Home for taking care of the final arrangements.