James “Jim” Edward Teele, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and general mischief-maker, took his final flight on November 15, 2024, after a long and colorful life that he lived to the fullest.
Memorial Service: 3PM Friday, November 22 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel.
Jim was married to Bonna Teele for fifty-four years and was the father of six children, Debby, Amy, Susan, William, Candace and Jaime. He leaves behind enough grandchildren and great-grandchildren to populate a small planet.
Jim was born the second of four children on a farm in Albia, Iowa, on November 29, 1936. He learned about hard work, harsh winters, and the heartless injustice of being last to make it in the family bath water night after night. After his father returned from voluntary service in World War II, Jim and his family relocated to North Hollywood where they enjoyed indoor plumbing and the antics of next-door neighbor, Steve McQueen. It was there that Jim took his place in the North Hollywood High School orchestra with a trombone in hand and developed a deep love for music of all genres. From there, he marched straight into the United States Air Force. As a member of the Air Force Band, he hit the high notes while learning the ins and outs of electronics. Upon leaving the service, Jim went to work for the post office for a short time in North Hollywood where he met many stars while delivering certified mail and scripts, of which he later shared many a tale. James joined the team at North American Aviation, where he worked on the iconic North American XB-70 Valkyrie Bomber. He would proudly tell anyone within earshot that he was part of one of the coolest planes ever to hit the skies (except for the one he built, of course). Not just a man of machines, Jim also had the courage to confront the ugly gears of prejudice, playing a pivotal role in dismantling a large white supremacist organization in California during the 1960s. He was always on the side of justice and had a rebellious nature that made it easy for him to go against the crowd and do the right thing.
In the late 1960s, Jim took his skills to Waco, Texas, where he began teaching at Texas State Technical Institute. Over the next 30 years, he became a mentor to thousands of students, teaching the ins and outs of electronic vending machine repair, computer maintenance, and assisting them in finding employment. Jim loved his job and claimed he never “worked” a day in his life.
Outside of his professional life, Jim was the very definition of a Renaissance man. He was an accomplished race car builder and driver, a motorcycle racer, the pilot of an airplane he built in his own workshop, harmonica blower, and professional fun-haver. He performed with local bands, most notably with Classie Ballou, where his love for music and penchant for being the life of the party shone through. Because of an assumed genetic mutation, Jim was unable to remain quiet for more than about twenty seconds. He would often burst into song or could be heard in his mancave lecturing to the tv show characters about their poor life choices. Every trip to the bathroom or kitchen was a Broadway production, as he usually bebopped, shimmied, or fox trotted his way through the house, even when he thought no one was looking. He found every moment an opportunity for personal entertainment. He enjoyed making noise with every kind of instrument he could get his hands on, and once tortured the family with some sort of washboard apparatus whose shriek could peel the enamel off the Space Station. To his delight and the neighbors’ dismay, he got a kick out of firing off his homemade cannon in the backyard.
Jim was a proud member of the California Racing Association, National Rifle Association (NRA), the Music Association of Central Texas, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), Lions Club, and was a staunch supporter of the McLennan County Sheriff’s Department.
Jim was the kind of man who read his children bedtime stories, took his grandchildren on adventures, and made it unclear who the actual child was most times, as he never got any older than twelve years old, despite his age.
Jim lived the majority of his life being very healthy, rarely even having a sniffle. There was an ugly rumor circulating at one time that James ate a vegetable, which we can categorically deny. He was fueled by Oreos and gravy, a lean mean napping machine, with only one recorded instance of him running.
Jim leaves behind family and friends that loved him dearly, countless students whose lives he touched, and more than a few unfinished projects in the garage. He will be deeply missed, but we take comfort in knowing he is at peace and no longer sick or in pain. Jim accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior and we are certain he has been appointed as Director of Entertainment, is racing through the heavens, cracking jokes with the angels, has started a band, and is halfway through his first harmonica solo. Fly high, James Edward Teele—you’ve earned your wings.
In lieu of flowers, Jim would want donations made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Wounded Warrior Project.
VIEW TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW HERE:
VIEW RECORDED LIVE STREAM OF SERVICE HERE:
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
I will miss you Uncle Jimmy. I wished I could have known you better. I will love you and miss you.
I started my teaching career at TSTI in Waco back in 1979. The morning of my first day teaching I was greeted by Jim. He instantly befriended me and gave me the best pep talk and really encouraged me that I would do well. I spent many days enjoying my friendship with Jim and I know he will missed….
Jim Teele was my dad and grandfather to my son Tony. Since we live in Colorado we didn’t get to spend near enough time with Dad. But the time spent with Dad was quality time. I loved his positive “I don’t give a s***” attitude and believe this contributed to his long life – to spite some unhealthy habits. He was funny and always had a smile on his face. He always treated our friends with respect and took time to get to know them. He genuinely loved his family, and it showed. We will miss sincerely him. He will live in our thoughts and hearts forever. I can see him now sitting with Saint Peter and, perhaps, Steve McQueen drinking coffee and telling stories that make them laugh or ponder. And playing his harmonica to entertain all. Humor and love of life will truly be his legacy.
Love Amy and Tony
God speed to you Teele! You will be missed.
Such a sweet man. At TSTC ,as soon as you saw him a smile would come on your face. Mr Teele will be missed and my prayers of peace and comfort to his family.
There are so many words to describe Mr Teele: creative, fair, understanding, trustworthy, faithful and that is only a few there are many more. He hired me as a secretary for Computer Maintenance. He is one of the best bosses I have had. He will be missed by many!
May the Lord put his comforting arms around his family.
Thinking of Jim brings back so many fond memories. I loved hearing his stories. He was a part of the regular crowd that meets at Dee’s Donuts in Elm Mott and will be missed. PRAYERS to the Family!
In loving memory of my dear father, a man who brought laughter and wisdom into our lives every day. His love for his family was unwavering, and his fun-loving spirit illuminated every room he entered. A talented musician, he filled our home with beautiful melodies and joyful tunes, leaving a lasting imprint on our hearts.
His dedication to education as a teacher inspired countless students and his passion for aviation as a pilot soared to new heights. Despite his distaste for vegetables, his appetite for life was insatiable, always seeking new adventures and experiences.
As we navigate this difficult time without him, we take comfort in knowing that he is no longer in pain and is now cradled in the loving arms of the divine. His legacy of love and laughter lives on in our hearts, and he will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace, dear father.
My most sincere sympathy and condolences to the family of beloved James Teele for their loss. I always felt close to Jim, even though we were usually separated by thousands of miles. I feel blessed that he was my cousin, and will always hold him in my heart.
Jim had that twinkle in his eyes that showed a quick mind, a ready smile, and curiosity about the people and world about him. An outstanding teacher, he also knew how to relax and enjoy life. A wonderful balance. He was a wise man.
About the time I got out of the air force, Jim moved to Waco, not too far from my parents home. Living at home & going to college, sometimes I would drive up to Waco and spend the day with him. He would take me around and show me what he was working on, or something he had built, show me his classroom, meet some of his students, all the while talking, sharing our challenges, hopes, and frustrations. Then we would go back to his house and talk some more over supper.
He was a good person to talk with, and I always respected him for his warmth, frank openness, and clear and positive thinking; and loved the joy of life in his eyes.
Though now a long time ago, I was glad my wife & family could meet & spend some time with him and his, and feel the love and happiness of his family. I pray for them now as they grieve at his passing, that they may find comfort as they remember his wisdom, love, and joy.
My friendship with Jim goes back to 1977 when we were both working at TSTI. His memorial is spot on. What a hoot, and he sure loved his family. While I haven’t seen Jim in many years, I miss knowing he’s around, along with so many others from that era at TSTI. However, I’m so happy he’s with Jesus and am assured we will see him again. Prayers for Jim’s family.