Jimmie Mauppin

Jimmie "Jim" Dwayne Mauppin, 71, passed away at a local hospital. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008, at Bellmead Funeral Home with burial to follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Jim was born in Marmaduke, Ark. He was the twelfth child of Jewel Gossett and Daniel R. Mauppin. The Mauppin family moved to Caruthers California when Jim was about twelve years old. He joined the Air Force when he was seventeen, because of his age he had to obtain his parent's permission. He served twenty years in the Air Force. While on active duty he received numerous awards, citations and medals. Jim met Joann Nichols while stationed at James Connally Air Force base in Waco. They were married Aug. 6, 1954. Jim and Joann had three children; Jan, Jimmie Jr. and Judy. Jim was stationed in many places including Texas, Ohio, California, and twice in Okinawa, Japan. One of Jim's favorite job assignments was in Okinawa where he was in charge of the riding stables. Jim and Joann met many good friends who they have kept up with through the years. Their home was always open to friends and strangers alike. Joann never knew how many people Jim might bring home for dinner. After retiring the Mauppin family returned to Waco to be near family. Jim started his second career, Golf. He developed a love for golf in the early 1960's. He worked at Connally Golf Course for many years. He had many golfing buddies. Playing thirty six holes a day was not unusual for him. He did make two "Holes in One." Jim and Joann took many fun trips with Joann's parents and other family members. A favorite trip was a Hawaiian cruise. Jim was always the first to show up when someone was in need. He made countless trips to the hospitals and to people's homes to visit them when they were ill. He liked to keep up with all his buddies. Jim was a member of Timbercrest Baptist Church. He was an active deacon in his former church prior to his illness. He was a Mason and a member of Bellmead Lodge No.1329. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws, Jack and Beaulah Nichols, whom he loved dearly and his daughter, Judy Lanette Mauppin. Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joann Mauppin; daughter, Jan Thomas and husband, Frank; son Jimmie and wife, Nancy; grandchildren, Ryan Thomas, Amanda Thomas and Jessica Mauppin; brother-in-law, Donald Nichols and wife, Janelle; sister-in-law, Pat Cargill and husband, Bert; nieces, Tammy Carlisle (Mike, Spencer and Reid) and Lee Bankston (Brent, Madison, Holland and Bax); nephews, Mike Nichols (Beth, Christi, Sam, Michael, Bonnie and Cody), Gary Nichols (Melinda, Rocky and Amy) and Danny Whatley (Sarah and Rylan). He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and other relatives in California and Arkansas. Honoring Jim as pallbearers will be Brent Bankston, Mike Carlisle, Mark McAninch, Gary Nichols, Mike Nichols and Danny Whatley. The family wishes to express deep appreciation for the loving care given to Jim while he was at Crestview Manor Nursing Home. A special thank you to the nurses and staff at Hillcrest Hospital these past few weeks as well. If desired, memorials can be made to the Huntington Medical Research Institute, 734 Fairmont Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105 or the American Heart Association. April 25, 1936 - February 18, 2008 Sign the Guest Book at www.wacotrib.com