James “Jim” W. Maddox
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James “Jim” W. Maddox passed away peacefully at the age of 81 in his home with his beloved wife, Jan, by his side on Monday, February 7, 2022, from complications related to Parkinson’s disease.
Jim was born on March 5, 1940, in Enid, OK, the son of Chester W. and Frances (Loving) Maddox. He graduated from Enid High School in 1957. He then attended University of Wichita where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He was a two-sport athlete playing on the football and basketball teams. He was an honorable mention All American in 1961 and 1962 as a football player and he signed with the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent in 1963.
Jim was married to Janice R. Wolgamott on June 4, 1966, in Wichita, KS. Jan survives him and resides in Lawrence, KS. Jim was in ROTC in college and was commissioned in 1963. From 1968 to 1969, he served as a Captain in the Army with the 9th Division in Dong Tam in Vietnam. Jim was a member of the Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, KS.
Other survivors include his children, Michael (Pamela Breuckmann) Maddox, of Overland Park, KS, Jennifer (Tom) O’Leary of Kansas City, MO; and his eight grandchildren, Jamie Maddox, Sara Maddox, Anderson Maddox (and their mother, Bonnie Anderson), Lindsey O’Leary, Tommy O’Leary, Adeline O’Leary, Oliver Breuckmann, and Davis Breuckmann.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Chester and Frances Maddox of Enid, OK, and brother, Mark Maddox of Sapulpa, OK.
Jim’s passion was coaching. He coached football for his alma mater Wichita State University and the University of Texas El Paso from 1964 to 1966. After his military service Jim began a career with IBM in Kansas City. After IBM, Jim joined CWG Enterprises and had a long career with Pizza Hut. While Jim had other jobs, his passion was always coaching.
In addition to his career and family, Jim loved people. He made many lifelong friends at University of Wichita and through the Phi Delt house. One of his favorite things to do was to go watch his grandkids play sports. He enjoyed game nights playing cards and dominos and watching the local teams on TV, surrounded by friends and family. Most importantly he loved the post-game analysis. Jim loved to compete, and he enjoyed the game!
Although challenged by health conditions later in life Jim maintained his faith, always kept a positive attitude and was appreciative of all of those who cared for him.
A Celebration of Life service and military honors presentation will be held on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at 10:30 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont Street, Lawrence, KS.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s name to Douglas County Visiting Nurses https://www.kansasvna.org/ or may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.
My only memory of Jim is when I was in fifth grade. My mother took the four of us kids on the train from California to Oklahoma. Aunt Francis had us sleeping on the screened in porch. Jim’s girlfriend came to see him and they were making kissy, smoochy sounds just outside. My sister, Rosalyn, and I started giggling which made Jim and his girlfriend laugh. The memory still makes me smile. I wish our families lived closer so we could grow up together.
Dearest Cousin Jan!
What an amazing multitude of memories you made with your dear husband! He must have been impressed with his Pink Poodle Posse gal!! I will not forget when the two of you showed up at my work place in Estes Park, Colorado, on your honeymoon! Love you, Sweet Cousin!!
May God wrap his comforting arms around you and your family during this transition!
Dear Jan and family, Although Elaine and I will not be at the celebration of Jim’s life at the church, we certainly will be there in spirit. I have great respect for Jim’s athletic abilities, but even greater respect for the way you and Jim dealt with the difficult health issue at the later part of his life. We cherish our memories of being in your home, eating and playing cards. We send you our love and prayers. Virgil & Elaine Brady
Jim was one of my all time favorite teammates as a fellow Shocker b-baller. He always had a smile and an encouraging word for everyone. Coach Ralph Miller always reminded me that if the team needed a lift ” I’d put Maddox in because he would always hit his first shot”. Jim and Jan’s courage in facing the health issues in his later years has always been an inspiration. Thanks to the Maddox family for sharing this special man with all of us. Rest in peace my friend.
Jim and Jan have been good friends to me. And I will greatly miss him. He was a good guy and I enjoyed his company. Blessed be to all who loved him. Asking for Peace during this transition.
Jan, Eileen and I are so sorry to here of Jim’s passing. I always looked forward to seeing him out front of your home just so I.could go over and talk sports with him, mainly Kansas football and basketball. He will always be in our prayers as will you.
I am so saddened to read of Jim’s passing. We had lost contact over the years but I have so many fond memories of our time together when Jim and I were stationed together at Fort Carson, Colorado back in the late 1960’s. Jim was indeed a man of integrity and commitment. My heartfelt condolences go out to Jan and family. May God comfort all of you.
So sad to hear of Jim’s passing. I worked for him at Pizza Hut in Grand Junction in the early 80s and was fortunate to be roommates for 10 days in Denver while attending a management class. Im proud to have worked for him and to have him as a mentor at that time of my life. The Maddox family will be in my prayers.