Waco Reynolds

James Wesley Reynolds, better known as Waco, was born September 18, 1941, in Dallas to Madeline Johnson and James Haney Reynolds. He was raised in Waco, Texas, before moving to Haltom City, Texas, where his football coach gave him his nickname “the kid from Waco”. He graduated from Birdville High School, where he was Mr. BHS. He attended SMU on a football scholarship before transferring to McMurry, where he played football and even survived a plane crash with his team.

At McMurry, he met the love of his life, Linda Jane Miracle, and the two were married on July 29, 1961. Together, they spent 62 wonderful years teaching, coaching, and raising their children. United by their shared passion for helping others, they devoted much of their lives to serving their community. For many years, they were also active and dedicated members of The First United Methodist Church.

Throughout his life, Waco touched the lives of many. He was a teacher, coach, and mentor who truly cared about the people around him. Over the years, he taught and coached in towns all over Texas. Including Post, Winters, Whiteface, Sundown, Lubbock, and Stephenville. He even went so far as to run into a burning building to save two young girls at Girlstown USA, where he was Superintendent.

He moved to Stephenville to run the Tarrant County Boys Ranch. Afterwards, he returned to coaching. Despite the many moves and trips abroad, Stephenville was home for Waco. This town and community were special to him. He finished his career at Stephenville Jr. High, where he taught history and coached. Along with Randy and Krista Shaw, Waco and Linda chaperoned the yearly junior high trip to Washington, D.C. Through the years, they were able to take all 6 of their grandchildren on this trip as they made their way through SJH.

Upon his retirement in 2004, he worked at the Stephenville City Dump, which allowed him to indulge in two of his favorite pastimes: reading and chatting. He and Linda were able to travel frequently. They went all over the globe with the Shaws and other couples from the area. Their trips included many locations in Europe, Australia, Canada, and Alaska. However, he always said that his favorite place to visit was New Zealand.

Waco is survived by his Children: Shawnee Bass and husband David, Mark Reynolds and wife Kim, and Linda Pierce and husband John. Grandchildren: Krysta Banks, Jake Smith, Katie Fails, Cassie Bloemhof, Randa Duncan, and Cameron Reynolds. Great-Grandchildren: Noah, Emmy, Piper, Dotty, Trigg, Axl, Grayson, Adley, Asher, and Oakley.

Waco is preceded in death by his wife, Linda Reynolds, and his son, Herman Reynolds.