Name: Visitation
Start: 10/19/2018 06:00 PM
End: 10/19/2018 08:00 PM
Location: Becker Funeral Home

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IN LOVING MEMORY OF

James "Jim"

Kinney Waxler, Jr.

February 16, 1937 – October 16, 2018

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Obituary

Surrounded by misty mountains of the sleepy town of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania on February 16, 1937, James "Jim" Kinney Waxler, Jr. was born to Helen and James Waxler, Sr. He grew up on a farm, obtaining schooling through the 8 ^th grade and, as typical in those times, stopped schooling to help his father with work at home. He eventually obtained his GED. In spite of the lack of a formal education, he was naturally skilled in mechanics, carpentry, music, and computer engineering.

One of his earliest and lifelong passions was cars. He learned to work on and care for his vehicles, restoring many classic automobiles to former glory with his own two hands. Though his eyesight declined in his later years, he was able to identify year, make, and model of classic cars by simply glancing at them in passing.

Looking for new opportunities, Jim left the mountains of Pennsylvania as a young man and joined the United States Air Force in 1955. After proudly serving his term, he sought opportunity in Houston, Texas, where he met his beautiful bride, Sharon. In a whirlwind romance, they soon decided they wanted to be wed. Her family was vehemently opposed to the union, which sparked a conspiracy that led the two young sweethearts to elope on January 16, 1962. Ten months later, Jim and Sharon welcomed the first of three daughters. Jim later enlisted in the Texas Air National Guard at Ellington Air Force Base in Houston, Texas where he proudly served an additional 12 years.

Jim and Sharon began attending church and were filled with the Holy Spirit in Houston, Texas in February 1968. They soon immersed themselves in church life and ministry, roles that would dominate the rest of their lives. Jim served his community as a volunteer Police Chaplain at the Pasadena Police Department in Pasadena, Texas until relocating to Florida in 2000. There, they settled in the small, hilly town of Clermont where he became known as "Pastor". Pastor Waxler founded the Springs of Life Apostolic Church serving the community and showing the love of Christ for the next 18 years.

As Pastor Waxler, he was known and loved for his simple and compassionate spirit by all who had the pleasure of encountering him. He was generous and gave freely to anyone in need. His sly wit and humor was his trademark, and it was not uncommon to reply those he loved best with "thanks for the warning" when told they would see him later; or, if told "I'm sorry", he'd bite back with "I didn't ask for a character reference!"

Other than Pastor, his proudest role was "Papa Jim" to his grand and great-grandchildren. He had a very special bond with his great-grandkids, and would proudly sing to them that they were the "apple of his eye." They, in turn, adored their Papa who spoiled them with sweets, phone time, and his undivided attention. He proclaimed his love and pride for his family to all that would hear him.

The Reverend James Kinney Waxler Jr., 81, went home to be with our Lord on October 16, 2018. He was surrounded by loving family and prayer as he left this mortal plain to join his beloved wife of 48 years, Sharon Waxler, parents, Helen and James, Sr.; siblings Georgie, Wilda Lorraine, Joe, Jerry, and Dave. He is survived by children Kimberly Ragle (Jeff) of Palm Harbor, Kathy Jones (George), of Winter Garden, Jennifer Cain (Chris) of Clermont; grandchildren Jason Ragle (Tiffany), Michael Ragle, Courtney Waller, Nathan Jones, Brandon Jones (Cara), Jerry Waller (Cecily), Kaitlyn Garrett (Tyler), Elisabeth Jean Louis (Sadrac); great-grandchildren Dakota Ragle, Angela Ragle, Chase Ragle, James Thomas Gray, Adaline Jean Louis, Ezra Jean Louis; siblings Elizabeth Trombetta, Cora Reider and Harold Waxler. He leaves behind an empty space in our hearts that can never be filled, precious memories, and a legacy of love, selflessness, and compassion.

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Isaiah 40:31

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Clermont Pentecostal Church, 20545 Independence Blvd. Ste. B, Groveland, FL 34736. A viewing will be held on Friday, October 19 at Becker Funeral Home, 806 W. Minneola Ave., Clermont, FL 34711, from 6:00-8:00 PM. Services will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Minneola Alliance Church (Hillside Community Church), 405 S. Main Ave. Minneola, FL 34715 at 10:00 AM. Graveside and reception to follow.

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