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Jim "Wally" Waltrip

1956 - 2021

BORN

1956

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Jim Waltrip Obituary

Jim "Wally" Waltrip
Jacksonville, IL - Jim "Wally" Waltrip, 64passed on Wednesday Aug. 4, 2021 at at his home. Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville, Illinois, is in charge of arrangements. 217-243-1010

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State Journal-Register from Aug. 6 to Aug. 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Jim Waltrip

Sponsored by Williamson Funeral Home (Williamson-Airsman-Hires) - Jacksonville.

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John Mangieri IC `79

October 7, 2025

I remember Jim from the Illinois College days. He was a pitcher on the baseball team. We called him, Wally, the whip based on his pitching motion. Believe it or not we would go to Jim`s off campus apartment to study. He had a black Labrador retriever that he called Satan. He would always say to Satan "be somebody Satan be somebody!" Jim was a great guy and as everyone says he had an infectious laugh. He will be missed. I am truly sorry for everyone´s loss but rest assured Jim is in a much better place.

Les Stevens

February 14, 2023

My memories of Jim are centered around laughter. He had a great laugh and stories that always seemed to generate other laughs. His gift!

Gail Birdsong Goodall

August 12, 2021

I just read that Jim has passed away and I am so sad.... Jim was an amazing man in every sense of the word. And he sure did laugh and smile all the time. You will surely be missed by many! God speed Jim!

Lottie Baldwin

August 12, 2021

I am so sorry to hear about Jim. His smile will be greatly missed!

Steve Siville

August 11, 2021

My Prayers and Love to Family and Friends. Jim my great friend, we experienced so many positive Life scenarios together. I miss you
and that big smile here but will faithfully see y'all later Buddy.

Shawn Cox

August 10, 2021

Kelley, I am just at a loss for words. I am so sorry to hear of your (and your family´s) loss. I always loved when he would call the office to talk to you (sometimes multiple times a day) because he was always laughing or smiling (you could just tell). Praying for God´s peace for you and his family as you go through these trying times.

Perry Plarski

August 9, 2021

Rest in peace my friend. Prayers for the family.

Gary & Jean Hickox

August 9, 2021

Our deepest sympathy for your loss. He was a great man!

Janet Fields

August 9, 2021

It times like this you don't know what to say. Just praying for you Kelley and your family. May God comfort you all in this time and days to come. May God give you peace and strength to get through this. My sincere Condolences for you all.

Les Stevens

August 9, 2021

Laughter indeed was always there with Wally. He had a gift that he gladly shared. My first thought each time I saw Jim out at the Links was "How was I going to make him laugh?" because I had no doubts that he was going to make me laugh. I wanted to return the favor. He made life better for us all. I'll miss him.

Tom Holmes

August 9, 2021

My deepest condolences to Gale and his family. I know Jim brightened heaven up with his smile.

Thor Thorsen

August 8, 2021

Sorry for your loss my the love of family and friends give you comfort in these trying times

Steve Tankersley

August 7, 2021

Or the world would be a better place if we all had the disposition of Wally.
Like two fried eggs sunny-side up

Wally Mischnick

August 7, 2021

May the Lord grant peace and comfort to the entire family. I am so sorry to read of Jim's passing. I'll never forget the fun and positive atmosphere that always surrounded Jim.

Lynn Knapp

August 7, 2021

Kelly, I'm so sorry for you and your family's loss. Wally can never be replaced as a friend and fellow golfer in my heart. Thoughts and prayers go out to you, your sons, and their family's.

Mel & Gerry Roustio

August 7, 2021

Our hearts are heavy with deep sorrow as we learn of the passing of Jim. We extend to Kelly, Gale and Bonnie our condolences and prayers for God´s comforting Grace. May precious memories sustain you in coming days.

Fred J Clinton

August 7, 2021

You brought laughter into the lives of everyone who knew you. Thank you for being my friend.

Tom &Nancy Tobin

August 6, 2021

We are so sorry to hear about Jim. He was always fun to be around and a True Friend. Our Hearts and Prayers are with the Family.

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

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Memorial Events
for Jim Waltrip

Aug

9

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Williamson Funeral Home (Williamson-Airsman-Hires) - Jacksonville

1405 Lincoln Avenue, Jacksonville, IL 62650

Aug

9

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Williamson Funeral Home

1405 Lincoln Avenue, Jacksonville, IL 62650

Aug

11

Celebration of Life

4:00 p.m.

The Links Golf Course at Nichols Park

Jacksonville, IL

Aug

11

Celebration of Life

4:00 p.m.

The Links Golf Course at Nichols Park

319 Holkenbrink Drive, Jacksonville, IL 62650

Funeral services provided by:

Williamson Funeral Home (Williamson-Airsman-Hires) - Jacksonville

1405 Lincoln Avenue, Jacksonville, IL 62650

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