WAYNEE, JAMES V., JR.

James Virgil Waynee, 82, of Mount Pleasant and Smithville, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2005, in Austin, Texas.

Jim was born in Bay City on April 5, 1923, to James and Goldie (Moore) Waynee. He married Henrietta Rogers on Dec. 27, 1946, at the Kawkawlin Indian Church. Jim was inducted into the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943. He had served in the Pacific Campaign during World War II as a 3rd [Battalion] Raider. His service awards include the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal, the Marksmanship Badge for the rifle and Campaign Ribbons from the Solomon Islands and Guam.

Jim had worked as an instrument man at Dow Corning in Midland until his retirement in 1980. After retiring, he and his wife spent one year in Jos, Nigeria, working as missionaries. He then spent the next 10 years traveling and doing volunteer work with the Roving Volunteers in Christ’s Service throughout the United States.

Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Henrietta of Mount Pleasant; his son, Dan (Kim) Waynee of Coleman; three daughters, Becky (Bill) Bratten of Las Vegas, Nev., Deb (Don) Meskill of Mount Pleasant and Naomi Waynee of Phoenix, Ariz.; three granddaughters, Amy Meskill of Midland, Suzanne (Kurt) Lane of Chesaning and Jennifer Bratten of Las Vegas, Nev.; two great-grandchildren, Nathaniel and Lauren Lane of Chesaning; two brothers, Ed (Pudge) Waynee of Hale, Bob (Margie) Waynee of Santa Fe, N.M.; and one sister, Bess (Manny) Schneider of Bay City. He was predeceased by his parents; and an infant brother.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006, 11 a.m. at the Seventh Generation, on the corner of Shepard and Remus Roads, on the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Reservation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Michigan’s Own, a veterans’ museum in Frankenmuth or a charity of choice.