James Waldrip went to be with his precious Savior on Oct. 21, 2009. Through the course of his health struggles over the last two months, he often proclaimed to family and friends that he was ready to make heaven his new home. He spent most of his last days praying unselfishly for others, and proclaiming his love for Jesus Christ to all that cared for or visited him. James was born in Terrel, Oklahoma to Thomas and Gertrude Waldrip, and he was the youngest of three sons. During the dust bowl era, he and his family moved to California where they eventually settled in Wasco, California. World War two was ragging on and James returned to his home state of Oklahoma to join the army and fight for his country in the European theater. He was a member of the 552nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion. His battalion valiantly fought in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. At the conclusion of WWII, James returned to Wasco where he and his parents attended Wasco First Assembly of God. He met the love of his life, Leta Frantz, while attending church. They were married on Nov. 26th, 1946. They were married for almost 63 years. James and Leta were the proud parents of Marilyn, Gerald, Timothy, and Joan Marie Waldrip. James began his career as a barber in 1947 and continued barbering in Wasco at his own shop until the age of 81. James was a member of Wasco First Assembly for 63 years, where he served on the church board for 62 years. He was also the Sunday School Superintendent for 15 years. He loved attending church and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was the proud grandpa of 6 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. His favorite hobby was horseback riding. He raised and trained several horses in his younger years on his small acreage outside of Wasco. James was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Gertrude Waldrip; brothers Clinton and J.B.Waldrip, son Timothy Waldrip, and daughter Joan Aldridge. He is survived by his loving wife Leta Waldrip, daughter Marilyn and husband Mark Dougherty, son Gerald and wife Carolyn, grandchildren Bryan and Michelle Waldrip, Jeff and Tracy Waldrip, Natalie Aldridge, Marcus and Tammy Dougherty, Michael and Pamela Dougherty, and Michelle Williams. The celebration service for James's life will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 10 am at Wasco First Assembly of God. Visitation will be held Monday October 26, 2009 2-8 pm at Peters Funeral Home