Celebrating the life of
Dr. James Thomas Waller
August 24, 1938 - January 14, 2014
Dr. James Thomas Waller
Dr. James Thomas Waller, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend completed his
work on earth on Tuesday, January 14, 2014. He was born on August 24, 1938 in Nashville, TN. He attended Lipscomb University, Vanderbilt University and the
University of Tennessee Memphis. During his college years, he was the Duncan Yo-yo champion and was an unbeatable Ping Pong player. He served as a Captain in the United States Army from 1966-1968. During his time in Vietnam, he was the commanding officer of his medical unit. In 1970, Dr. Waller moved his family from
Nashville, TN to Savannah, GA. He became the youngest Director of Internal Medicine at Memorial Medical Center at the age of 32. He trained many wonderful medical students, whom still adore him to this day. Not only a great teacher, but he was also a specialist in Infectious Diseases. He served on the board of The Medical College of Georgia. He was also on faculty at Mercer University as well as others. He was well
published in the New England Journal of Medicine. He was an avid deer bowhunter, fisherman and golfer. He was an incredible father and wonderful grandfather to 15 grandchildren! He was preceded in death by his father, James H. Waller, mother, Mary B. Waller and sister, Juanita W. Reavis. He is survived by his wife, Grace Guthrie Waller, his sister, Delores Waller Hawthorne Wayne, his children, Laura Waller Rice-Savannah, James Gregory Waller Courtney -Blairsville, GA, Lisa Waller Mortensen Rob-Nashville, TN, Adam David Waller Tandy-Augusta, GA, Thomas Andrew Waller
Ashley- Jacksonville, FL. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren; Emily, Matthew and Nicholas Rice, Grayson, Georgia and Britton Waller, Meg, Clay and Dane Mortensen, Emmaline, Genevieve and Henry Waller, and Seth, Parker and Davis Waller.
Visitation will be 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Friday, January 17, 2014 at Savannah Christian Church, 55 Al Henderson Blvd.
Funeral Service will be 6:00 p.m., Friday, January 17, 2014 at Savannah Christian Church.
Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Nashville, Tennessee.
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
Dear Laura, Grace, and family, We were so sorry to hear about your great loss. Dr. Waller was a very smart, kind, godly man. We will always remember how he took the time out of his very busy schedule to study the Bible with Ron when we were first married. We have many fond memories of Dr.Waller and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Cheryl and Ron Horton, Savannah, GA
Not only an exceptional physician and teacher, Jim always had a smiling face and interesting story to share. It was truly a pleasure and honor to have worked with him professionally.
- sandy berens, savannah, GA
To the Waller Family, So sorry for your loss, our prayers are with your family.
- Randy and Velma Floyd, Turbeville,, SC
So sorry to hear of the loss of the greatly respected & loved Dr. Waller. Such fond memories of this wonderful family. I know he will be greatly missed by so many. Sincere condolences & deepest sympathy. Cindy Prescott
- Cindy Clayton Prescott, Bloomingdale, GA
Dear Mrs. Waller and Family, I am sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Waller. During my residency at Memorial from 1980-83 Dr. Waller was a wonderful mentor and 'boss'. More importantly he was an excellent example of a Christian physician and husband/father. I have tried to follow his example ever since then. He will be greatly missed.
- Henry Patton M.D., Covington, GA
Dear Grace and family, A little piece of Jim will live on in my heart and memories forever.He touched so many lives with his LOVE,HUGS,SMILES and his words of WISDOM and ENCOURAGEMENT he was a man after GOD'S heart!He was a kind and gentle soul,and had a way of making anyone he met feel very special.He will be dearly missed by many.I smile back at him as he celebrates eternity in the arms of CHRIST our maker and deliverer!Praising GOD for a life well lived!
- Carla Fuller, , GA
I remember Jim well from high school, where we played on the same tennis team. I remember him as a truly high class person, mature beyond his years and always exceptionally considerate of others. From comments made here, that seems not to have changed at all. My condolences to the family.
- John Crowder, Florence, AL
So sorry to for the passing of Dr. Waller has raised a great family and will be fondly missed.
- Candy Beck, Young Harris, GA
Dear Grace, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please accept my deepest sympathies. Deloris
- Deloris Bandy, Savannah, GA
So sad about your daddy, and husband... I know you will miss him... Praying that you all feel loved & comforted with each other, by Jesus. Thankful for your family...your laughter, your singing, your love... Kami
- Kami Everette Cornell, Chattanooga, TN
Grace Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love WL & Nancy
- W L Simpkins, Nashville, TN
Dear Laura, Danny's parents told us of your loss. It sounds like your dad was a wonderful person who will be missed by many. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathy, Dan and JoAnne Danny's cousin
- Dan and JoAnne Gerlach, CHARLOTTE, NC
Grace: You have my sincere empathy and tender thoughts about the loss of Jimmy. You and I know that life does not end in this world. I'll see y'all on the other side of the river. Peace, prayers, blessings, and good wishes to you and yours, Duncan.
- Duncan Rushing, South Bend, IN
I am sending my thoughts and prayers to James' family. Jerry Baxter DLHS classmate: 1956
- Jerry Baxter, Franklin, TN
I didn't know you, except as through your son, Greg, just as we know Christ by seeing Him reflected in those who lovingly serve Him. Your reflection through Greg is that of a strong, but soft-spoken mental giant exuding unique character flavored with kindness. My sympathies to your family and friends who will miss you terribly...and my Congratulations to those who have gladly welcomed you into the heavenly places.
- Jim Wright, Blue Ridge, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with the Waller family. I have fond memories of Jimmy and Grace as we were classmates in high school.
- Jim Carothers, Antioch, TN
Sincerest condolences from Darrell and Sharon Gunselman.
- Darrell Gunselman, Alexandria, VA
Jim was a good friend for a young man who needed direction me. I believe that through his and other's prayers, I was able to heal with God's help, and live a better life - he gave me medical advice, friendship and hugs. He IS a great man to be remembered for his work and love for others. God Bless Waller Family and Peace to you!
- Mike Solomons, Guyton, GA
Dear Grace, Our prayers are with for you and your family. So sorry to hear about James' passing. Much love, Louella
- Louella Roberts Chrisman, Adairville, KY
When I first came to Savannah 17 years ago, Jim was very helpful to me as I got involved in the student teaching program at Memorial. I will always remember his kindness, his devotion to the teaching program and his great sense of humor. He will be missed.
- Richard Leighton, M.D., Savannah, GA
Sorry for your loss of a wonderful compassionate man. His smiling face will be remembered always. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time of loss.
- Linda Blackburn White, Terrell, TX
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and the entire family. May God bring peace to you as you grieve during this difficult time. You will see your precious dad, grandfather, and husband again one day. We love you all. David and Debbie Wilson and family.
- David and Debbie Wilson and family, Savannah, GA
Laura, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Love, Helen and Bob Fordyce
- Helen and Bob Fordyce, Jacksonville, TX
Dear Waller Family, I am so sorry for your loss of a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather and Doctor. I am sure there are many people that have fond memories, like myself, of seeing Dr. and Mrs. Waller at all of the sporting events watching Laura and Lisa cheer and Greg, Adam and Andy playing their sports. Everyone knew the Waller Family because Calvary did not have very many large families back in the 80's. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
- Terri Stafford Jones, Savannah, GA
My prayers are with your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
- Suzanne Beasley, Augusta, GA
Thinking of all of you and praying that God will give you strength and courage; comfort and peace. Know that many of us at Lipscomb and in Nashville are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you.
- Sarah Keith Gamble, Nashville, TN
Dear Laura, Grace, and family, We were so sorry to hear about your great loss. Dr. Waller was a very smart, kind, godly man. We will always remember how he took the time out of his very busy schedule to study the Bible with Ron when we were first married. We have many fond memories of Dr.Waller and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Cheryl and Ron Horton, Savannah, GA
Not only an exceptional physician and teacher, Jim always had a smiling face and interesting story to share. It was truly a pleasure and honor to have worked with him professionally.
- sandy berens, savannah, GA
To the Waller Family, So sorry for your loss, our prayers are with your family.
- Randy and Velma Floyd, Turbeville,, SC
So sorry to hear of the loss of the greatly respected & loved Dr. Waller. Such fond memories of this wonderful family. I know he will be greatly missed by so many. Sincere condolences & deepest sympathy. Cindy Prescott
- Cindy Clayton Prescott, Bloomingdale, GA
Dear Mrs. Waller and Family, I am sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Waller. During my residency at Memorial from 1980-83 Dr. Waller was a wonderful mentor and 'boss'. More importantly he was an excellent example of a Christian physician and husband/father. I have tried to follow his example ever since then. He will be greatly missed.
- Henry Patton M.D., Covington, GA
Dear Grace and family, A little piece of Jim will live on in my heart and memories forever.He touched so many lives with his LOVE,HUGS,SMILES and his words of WISDOM and ENCOURAGEMENT he was a man after GOD'S heart!He was a kind and gentle soul,and had a way of making anyone he met feel very special.He will be dearly missed by many.I smile back at him as he celebrates eternity in the arms of CHRIST our maker and deliverer!Praising GOD for a life well lived!
- Carla Fuller, , GA
I remember Jim well from high school, where we played on the same tennis team. I remember him as a truly high class person, mature beyond his years and always exceptionally considerate of others. From comments made here, that seems not to have changed at all. My condolences to the family.
- John Crowder, Florence, AL
So sorry to for the passing of Dr. Waller has raised a great family and will be fondly missed.
- Candy Beck, Young Harris, GA
Dear Grace, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please accept my deepest sympathies. Deloris
- Deloris Bandy, Savannah, GA
So sad about your daddy, and husband... I know you will miss him... Praying that you all feel loved & comforted with each other, by Jesus. Thankful for your family...your laughter, your singing, your love... Kami
- Kami Everette Cornell, Chattanooga, TN
Grace Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love WL & Nancy
- W L Simpkins, Nashville, TN
Dear Laura, Danny's parents told us of your loss. It sounds like your dad was a wonderful person who will be missed by many. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathy, Dan and JoAnne Danny's cousin
- Dan and JoAnne Gerlach, CHARLOTTE, NC
Grace: You have my sincere empathy and tender thoughts about the loss of Jimmy. You and I know that life does not end in this world. I'll see y'all on the other side of the river. Peace, prayers, blessings, and good wishes to you and yours, Duncan.
- Duncan Rushing, South Bend, IN
I am sending my thoughts and prayers to James' family. Jerry Baxter DLHS classmate: 1956
- Jerry Baxter, Franklin, TN
I didn't know you, except as through your son, Greg, just as we know Christ by seeing Him reflected in those who lovingly serve Him. Your reflection through Greg is that of a strong, but soft-spoken mental giant exuding unique character flavored with kindness. My sympathies to your family and friends who will miss you terribly...and my Congratulations to those who have gladly welcomed you into the heavenly places.
- Jim Wright, Blue Ridge, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with the Waller family. I have fond memories of Jimmy and Grace as we were classmates in high school.
- Jim Carothers, Antioch, TN
Sincerest condolences from Darrell and Sharon Gunselman.
- Darrell Gunselman, Alexandria, VA
Jim was a good friend for a young man who needed direction me. I believe that through his and other's prayers, I was able to heal with God's help, and live a better life - he gave me medical advice, friendship and hugs. He IS a great man to be remembered for his work and love for others. God Bless Waller Family and Peace to you!
- Mike Solomons, Guyton, GA
Dear Grace, Our prayers are with for you and your family. So sorry to hear about James' passing. Much love, Louella
- Louella Roberts Chrisman, Adairville, KY
When I first came to Savannah 17 years ago, Jim was very helpful to me as I got involved in the student teaching program at Memorial. I will always remember his kindness, his devotion to the teaching program and his great sense of humor. He will be missed.
- Richard Leighton, M.D., Savannah, GA
Sorry for your loss of a wonderful compassionate man. His smiling face will be remembered always. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time of loss.
- Linda Blackburn White, Terrell, TX
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and the entire family. May God bring peace to you as you grieve during this difficult time. You will see your precious dad, grandfather, and husband again one day. We love you all. David and Debbie Wilson and family.
- David and Debbie Wilson and family, Savannah, GA
Laura, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Love, Helen and Bob Fordyce
- Helen and Bob Fordyce, Jacksonville, TX
Dear Waller Family, I am so sorry for your loss of a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather and Doctor. I am sure there are many people that have fond memories, like myself, of seeing Dr. and Mrs. Waller at all of the sporting events watching Laura and Lisa cheer and Greg, Adam and Andy playing their sports. Everyone knew the Waller Family because Calvary did not have very many large families back in the 80's. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
- Terri Stafford Jones, Savannah, GA
My prayers are with your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
- Suzanne Beasley, Augusta, GA
Thinking of all of you and praying that God will give you strength and courage; comfort and peace. Know that many of us at Lipscomb and in Nashville are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you.
- Sarah Keith Gamble, Nashville, TN
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
