Jimmie Lee Waits of Muskogee, OK departed this life July 20, 2023 in the Jack C. Montgomery VA Hospital in Muskogee at the age of 73 years.

Jimmie is survived by his wife, Linda Waits; his daughters, Barbie Doyle and Rebecca Benson; son-in-law, Joseph Benson; siblings, Larry, Bonnie, Clydeen, Rick, Orena, Dennis and Zackie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Alvin and Dorothy Viola; his siblings, Junior, Acie, Debbie, Bo and Kelly; and his grandson, John Wyeth Doyle.

Jimmie was born in Hulbert, OK on January 27, 1950. He graduated from Hulbert High School. He joined the United States Navy where he began his journey of service in the medical field. He retired from the Navy after 20 years of growing and giving of himself to help others.

He then spent another 20 years as an operating room surgical technician at Muskogee Regional Medical Center. Much of Jimmie's life was defined by his work in serving others; other parts of his life were defined by his family. Jimmie was the 6th of 13 children. He had endless stories of his time growing up in Hulbert. The common thread in these stories was that they didn't have much, but they never lacked for love or shenanigans.

Jimmie was a hero to both his girls. He was a fantastic father and an even better Papa. The greatest joy of Jimmie's life was his grandson, John Wyeth. Jimmie and John are reunited in Heaven. As a family we are comforted with the knowledge that both JW's are together again, joking, talking about horses, music, food and family, both doing a little Jimmie jig.

As the days pass, and you think of Dad, remember, we aren't saying goodbye, it's see you later.

Jimmie's life will be celebrated at a funeral service at 2:00 pm on Thursday, July 27, 2023 in the Chapel at Mallett Funeral Home in Wagoner, OK.

Viewing will be Wednesday beginning at 11:00 am and continue through the visitation from 5:00-7:00 pm.

Inurnment will be scheduled later at I.O.O.F. (Hulbert Community) Cemetery in Hulbert, OK.