James Herbert "Jim" Wacker

(08/28/2003) ``Coach Jim Wacker'' James Herbert Wacker James ``Jim'' Herbert Wacker, age 66, of San Marcos, Texas, passed away peacefully to be with his Lord on Tuesday, August 26, 2003, after a courageous battle with cancer. He lived to ``Celebrate Life'', enjoyed each moment, and counted his blessings until the very end. Throughout his fight with cancer, he never lived dying, but truly died while living. Life was all about faith, family, friends, fellowship, fun and, for him and his wife, Lil, football! Jim was born on April 28, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Rev. Herbert and Eleanor Wacker. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Bill Dunger He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lil, who was his best friend, soul mate and in his words ``the greatest coach's wife, EVER!'' He is also survived by his brother, Rev. Dave Wacker and Pat of Kathleen, Georgia; and his sister, Margaret and George Baeten of St. Clair Shores, Michigan; others include, three wonderful sons, Mike and Susie, and grandsons, Chris, Karl and David of San Antonio; Steve and Kyrrha, and granddaughters, Jaslyn and Jaryn of Oklahoma City; Tom and Nikki and granddaughter, Genna, and grandson, Luke of Houston. He is also survived by in-laws, Joyce and Richard Dinel of Pacific Palisades, California, Connie and Bill Schade of Seguin, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews that loved ``Uncle Jim''. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, but also will be treasured as ``Dad'', ``Boompa'', ``Uncle Jim'', and ``Coach Wacker'' to all of the people whose lives were touched by his indomitable spirit and zest for life. The family will receive friends between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 28, 2003, at Pennington Funeral Home. A celebration of Jim's life and resurrection in Jesus Christ will be on Friday, August 29, 2003, at Evans Auditorium, on the campus of SWT at 11:00 a.m. There will be shuttles beginning at 10:00 a.m. from the parking lots at Aquarena Springs, just off Aquarena Springs Drive. No parking will be available on campus. A fellowship reception will follow at First Lutheran Church, 130 West Holland, San Marcos, Texas. Graveside services will be held at 3:30 p.m. at San Marcos City Cemetery. The family would like to especially thank his friends, former players and coaches, doctors, Hope Hospice, and all the many caregivers for their visits, love and care in the last month of his life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following: Lutheran Social Services, Hope Hospice of New Braunfels, Bobcat Athletic Foundation, the SWT Geography Endowment, Texas Lutheran University Football, Texas Christian University Football, or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements under the care and guidance of Pennington Funeral Home, 323 N. Comanche, San Marcos, Texas, 7S666, (512) 353-4311.