CSM (Ret) James Edward Wafe Sr.

June 19, 1941 - June 9, 2017

Command Sergeant Major (Retired) James Edward Wafe Sr, died peacefully in his Saint Robert, Missouri home on June 9, 2017. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he also was the Battalion Command Sergeant Major for the 58th Transportation Battalion on Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. James Edward Wafe Sr. was born on June 19, 1941, in St. Charles, Missouri to Mabel (Chalkley) and Albert Edward Wafe. At the age of 17, he joined the United States Army and continued his service for 32 years, retiring as a Battalion Command Sergeant Major at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. For his faithful services, James earned several awards and commendations; some of which includes: National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal-2, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Meritorious Service Medal -2, Army Commendation Medal-3, Army Good Conduct Medal-10, Legion of Merit, NCO Professional Development Ribbon. While serving in the Army he obtained his GED and later took courses through Central Texas College on small engine and outboard motor repair. After retiring from the Army, James began working as a civilian on Fort Leonard Wood. He worked for FMWR (Family Morale, Welfare, Recreation) Outdoor Center and then to DOL (Department of Logistic) repairing lawnmowers. Later he started his own business Jim’s Small Engine Repair. James Edward Wafe Sr. was a devoted and loving husband to his wife of 58 years, Bok Ye (Angel) Wafe. He was loved by his three children: Donna, Juanita, and James Jr; and the most wonderful grandfather to his four granddaughters: Samantha, Nicole, Jessica and Cassandra. There was nothing he would not do for his family. In his spare time he loved to fish, hunt, skeet/trap shooting, bowl, and boating along with working on outboard/inboard motors and spending time with his grandkids. He is survived by his wife, Bok Ye (Angel) Wafe; daughters, Donna Benning, Juanita Wafe-Stone (George); his son, James (Dee); his four grandchildren, Samantha, Nicole, Jessica, and Cassandra; sister, Frances Zottarella, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Wafe and Mable Thudiman, sister Juanita Leahy and brothers Junior, Glenn, and Dwayne. Services were held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2017 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Chaplain James Steelman officiating. The songs “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston and “America” by Neil Diamond was played. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of CSM (Ret) Wafe and may be left at the funeral home.