James Dean Waggoner

          James Dean “J.D.” Waggoner was born November 26, 1934 to Chester and Ella Mae (McIntyre) Waggoner in Billings, Oklahoma and died in Perry, Oklahoma December 8, 2023.  Jimmy started school at the Happy Star School near the family home and graduated from Billings High School in 1952.  His favorite memories were of his family.  Being the youngest of a large family, he talked about his brothers and sisters picking on him. 

          After high school graduation, he attended Northern Oklahoma College and Oklahoma State University, graduating in 1957 with a degree in Mechanical (Petroleum Option) Engineering.  He bought his first car, a Chevrolet Impala, and moved to Texas where he worked at several oil companies before settling with Sun Oil Company. In 1984 he joined an international group for operations in the Middle East, Africa, and South America where he travelled extensively throughout those countries.  He returned to domestic production in 1986, moving to Oklahoma City in 1988.  Jimmy was a lifetime member of Society of Petroleum Engineers and the OSU Alumni Association.

          In 1968 Jimmy and Shirley Custer O’Neal were married. When he retired in 1991, he and Shirley built a home on the Waggoner home place in Billings where he farmed and raised cattle.

          Jimmy was baptized at the Billings Baptist Church.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Ella Mae, his wife, Shirley, stepson, Jake O’Neal, as well as his siblings, Bobbye LaRochelle, Charles Ray Waggoner, Mary Ruth Fulmer, DonAne Bellmon, Max Waggoner, Wilfred Waggoner and his twin Winifred, Richard Waggoner, as well as a stillborn sister, Janet. 

          He is survived by grandsons, Jason O’Neal and Patrick O’Neal, three great grandsons, and a great-great granddaughter, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

          Memorial contributions may be made in his name payable to the Billings Baptist Church or any organization of choice.