James Lester Wardlow, Jr.

James Lester Wardlow, Jr. was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 21, 1956 to Faylee (Griffin) Wardlow and James Lester Wardlow, Sr. He was educated in the Des Moines School system where he graduated from Valley High School.

After graduation, James went to work for various firms as a custodian and maintenance worker. He was very good with his hands and his father taught him auto mechanics. He soon became very skilled at that also. It was said he was so strong, he could pick up a car motor with his bare hands! James loved to eat so he had to learn to cook a little also.

James was a homebody. He was most comfortable at home watching TV. He would occasionally go to church with his wife, but usually he was home watching a 'shoot 'em up'. James was a very kind and loving person, with deep intellectual thoughts and emotions. He would keep people at arms length so they wouldn't know just how sensitive he was. When his life took a very confusing path, he made up his own set of rules to live by. To some of us, his rules were not right or strange, but they kept him going. He would always say, 'No matter what, he would be ok whatever came down the pike'.

James had a genuine concern for 'the least of these', especially the homeless. Sometimes he would take his food stamps and have his wife prepare a huge meal that he would take to the Churches United Shelter to share with the less fortunate. As his health began to decline he closed himself off from people so they wouldn't see how sick he really was.

On July 16, 2017, James passed away at the age of 61. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Rhonda Wardlow and his parents.

James is survived by his wife, Roberta Mays; his children, Gregory Wardlow, Monroe Wardlow, Timothy Wardlow and Jermain Lottie; his siblings, Terrance Wardlow, Melvin Wardlow and Mary Catherine Wardlow-Daniels along with his step children, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

We only say good night to him now. We will see him again one day.Memorial Service









Sunday, July 30, 2017

Starts at 3:00pm









Corinthian Baptist Church