James Waller

James Waller Jr., 66, of El Paso Texas, passed away at Sierra Providence Medical Center on Monday, February 3, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Magnolia Arkansas on June 24, 1947. He is the son of the late James and Christine Waller. He was the oldest of four siblings. James was fondly known by “Waller” which was given to him by his wife and granddaughters. On March 21, 1968, he married the love of his life Gloria Jean Jones. Waller and Gloria were happily married for 45 years. During their years of marriage, they had two sons, Keithro and Carlos Waller. Waller entered the military on October 20, 1967. He retired as Sergeant First Class on January 31, 1992 after 24 years of Honorable Service in the United States Army. During his years of military service, he had multiple tours including both Korea and Germany. He also served as a Senior Drill Instructor. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and other numerous achievements and awards upon retirement. After retiring from the United States Army, Waller attended Truck Driving School in El Paso, Texas. He was a truck driver for 12 years. Waller was a strong and dedicated family man. He was always willing to listen and give advice to those in need. He was well respected by everyone that he came in contact with. Waller never hesitated to help anyone. He was a simple man who enjoyed the small things in life. He enjoyed spending time with his family especially his granddaughters, traveling, and reminiscing on his military career. Waller will always be remembered by his bright smile and his sense of humor. He was a loving and giving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. Those left to cherish his life include his wife of 45 years, Gloria Waller, his son Keithro Waller and wife Celina Waller, son Carlos Waller, his six beautiful granddaughters, Adrienna Waller, Keonni Waller, Khara Waller, Zhoria Waller, Syanna Waller and Jasmyne Garcia and one great granddaughter, Aziah Mitchell. He is also survived by one sister Dorothea Waller of Zwolle, La., and one brother Freddie Lee Waller of Kansas City Mo., his brother-in-laws, Robert Sweet and Major Jones, his sister-in-laws, LeJune Courtney, Brenda Jones, Shirley Waller, Joyce Jones, Gloria J. Waller and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Christine Waller and two brothers, Felix Ray Waller and Ricky Waller. The Waller family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Sierra Providence Medical Center, Sunset Funeral Home Northeast, family, friends and those who continue to provide their support during this time. Services will be held from 5-9 pm with a Home Going Celebration at 6 pm, Sunday, February 9, 2014 at Sunset Funeral Home Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass with Full Military Honors. The services will be provided by Richard Decatur and Pastor Lonnie Townsend Sr. A reception will be held from 9:00-11:00 pm at Athens Ballroom located at 9109 Dyer Street/Hondo Pass. Cremation will take place at a later date and he will be buried in Louisiana next to his mother Christine Waller.