Age 94, of Cookeville, TN, formerly of Brookville, OH, passed away June 21, 2026. James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ottilie (Wagner) Waitman and sisters, Jerrie Phillips and Betty Dearth. James was born in San Benito, Texas. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps for two years and was proud to be one of the few remaining “Atomic Veterans” who participated in operation Snapper-Tumbler atomic bomb testing. He spent 40 years as a roofing contractor with Waitman Roofing. In his free time James loved to work on his farm. He is survived by his wife, Wanda (Smith) Waitman and her children; his children, Jackie (Rich) Smith, Mandy (Pat) Maleski, Sally (Chad) Anderson, Nancy (Floyd De’Miguel) Connolly, Jimmy (Michele) Waitman, and Lonnie (Lori Thompson) Waitman; 14 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; the mother of his children, Nancy Purnhagen. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 29th at GILBERT-FELLERS FUNERAL HOME, BROOKVILLE, OH. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday followed by interment services in Arlington Cemetery, Brookville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Caris Healthcare 2525 TN-111 B, Cookeville, TN 38506. E-mail condolences may be sent by going online to www.gilbert-fellers.com