JAMES “JIM” WAITE
1942-2021
James “Jim” Waite died in Houston, Texas on March 13, 2021 at the age of 78.
Jim is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Betty” Waite, his sister Rebecca “Becci” McClain, and a large family of children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren who loved, respected and appreciated him with all of their hearts.
Jim was born in Fort Sam Houston, Texas (a U.S. Army base in San Antonio, Texas) on August 27, 1942. Jim and his sister Becci lived with their parents, Lt. Col. Burrell Waite and Mary Waite, in various parts of the world as their dad served in the United States Army throughout the World War II era and after. Their temporary homes included West Point, New York and bases in London, England, Garmisch Partenkirchen, Germany, and Rome, Italy. The family eventually settled in Austin, Texas where Jim graduated from McCallum High School and later from the University of Texas in Austin with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Jim worked his entire career as a mechanical engineer for Rohm & Haas Chemical Company at its Deer Park, Texas facility. Jim was known for being the earliest in the office by hours, and he advanced high in the organization until his retirement.
Jim was an avid supporter and champion of anything that his kids did, whether school-related, band, sports, or any other activity. He lived the saying that “being there is half the battle,” and he was there for it all. He was an active member of the West University community in Houston, where he spent many years as a coach, an hours-on-end batting practice pitcher, a meticulous maintainer of the ballfield, and a mentor to countless young ballplayers.
Jim was a sports fanatic for his beloved Texas Longhorns as well as the Houston Astros and other teams who caught his fancy. But it wasn’t all just watching, as Jim was an avid golfer, bringing his engineering discipline to trying to prevent the slices and duffs that popped up now and then. He continued his love for golf for most of his life and counted his wife Betty among his favorite playing partners.
Jim is survived by his wife Betty Waite, his sister Becci McClain, his children Charles Waite and wife Christi
Waite, Mark Waite and wife Christine Waite, David Irwin and wife Kathleen Irwin, and Jennifer Malizia and husband Joe Malizia, his grandchildren Lisa Bennett, Shelly Rutley, Shelby Waite, Ashley Stauth, Annie Waite, Katelynn Waite, Carolyn Waite, Matthew Irwin, Christian Irwin, Landon Malizia and Lauren Malizia, and his great-grandchildren Jordan Martinez, Gage Bennett, Callie Bennett, Weston Stauth, Walker Stauth and Caden Kirk.
Any condolences, stories of remembrance, anecdotes or personal thoughts can be left online at the Katy Funeral Home website: www.katyfh.com. Scroll down and search the obituaries for James Robert Waite.