James Maddox Obituary

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.