James Allen Waggoner II (Jim or Wags), 56, of Shelbyville, IN, passed away Thursday, 6 August.

He and his family moved to Shelbyville when he was 4, and he called it “home” for the rest of his life. He attended SHS and was extremely active in Masque and Dagger. He appeared in multiple productions and was always willing to jump in and help out where needed. He was also a very talented artist and car enthusiast.

James graduated from Shelbyville High School in the class of 1988. He later found his occupational calling in being a tile-setter and created a plethora of beautiful works of art for others to enjoy.

Jim was known for his quick wit, his dry sense of humor, and his unwavering loyalty to those he cared about. He was a quiet man and did not often let others see what he was dealing with. He preferred to focus on others and what he could do to help make their lives better.

Jim is survived by his “still”, Sarah Kramer-Smith. Their love story took many twists and turns, but they always found their way back to each other. He was able to be with her during his last few hours, which is exactly what he wanted.

He leaves behind his caring ex-wife, Suzanne (Stafford) Waggoner and their beautiful son, Nikolas. He is also survived by his older brother Chris (Kim) Aldred and his sister Nikki (Aaron) Orr. He was preceded in death by his younger sister Jone, his daughter Mikayla and his mother Judy (Hughes) Waggoner. Jim is also survived by his nieces, a nephew, many cousins, and extended family members in Indiana and Kentucky. He was very well known in the community and is survived by a plethora of chosen family and friends he made throughout his irreplaceable life.

His unique spirit, benevolent soul, and goofy smile will be celebrated on 15 August 2026 at First Presbyterian Church in Shelbyville, IN. Celebration will begin at 3, with the main service starting at 4.

Funeral Directors Greg Parks, Sheila Parks, and Stuart Parks are honored to serve James’ family.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in his daughter Mikayla’s name to Animal Outreach of Shelby County, 910 Revello St., Shelbyville, IN 46176; or The Shelbyville/ Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, IN 46176.

Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.

“Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know that they are happy”.