James B Snider, Jr

James B Snider October 10, 1927 May 4, 2008 James B. Snider, Jr. passed away Sunday, May 04, 2008. Graveside services will be at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 6 at Oakwood Cemetery with the Msgr. Mark Deering officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Jim was born in Waco on October 10, 1927 to Emma Neill Snider and James B. Snider. In 1945 he graduated from Waco High School and enrolled in Texas A and M University where in his sophomore year he was drafted. He served in the Army from April 17, 1946 to May 15, 1947. After completing his tour of duty, he returned to A and M, where he was member of the Ross Volunteers. He graduated in 1949 as a commissioned officer with a degree in engineering. Jim married Colleen Tucker of Waco on December 27, 1948. After working for Lone Star Gas Company from 1949 to 1955 and Carrier-Bock of Dallas for the next nine years, Jim and Jake Gandler formed the Gandler-Snider Engineering Company in 1964. Mr. Gandler preceded his partner in death but Jim remained active in his company until he retired several years ago. A Registered Professional Engineer, Jim was a member of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Texas, Rotary Club and served on numerous boards, including his favorites, Salvation Army and the now defunct Waco-McLennan County Rehabilitation Association.. Although Jim seldom talked about his illustrious ancestors, their lives read like a lively history book of Waco and, indeed, of Central Texas. Jim's great grandfather was the legendary "Bosque John" McLennan, nephew of Neil McLennan for whom the county was name. On his maternal side was Texas Ranger William J Neill, a member of the original Fort Fisher Company. Jim was a colorful character in his own right. He was the subject of a number of columns written by then Tribune-Herald Sports Editor, Dave Campbell concerning "Friend Snider" and his latest adventures a trip to Hot Springs, Ark. to see the horses run, a trip to Dallas for Lamar Hunt's World Championship Tennis Matches, or to College Station to watch Texas A&M in a big football game. A large group of his friends gathered at his home weekly just to visit and talk, at Jim's insistence, "about ideas, not about people." He will be sorely missed. Jim was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors are his wife of nearly 60 years; his daughter, Elizabeth Waldon of Waco and Elaine Stuard and her husband, Terry, of Grand Prairie; son, Neill Snider and his wife, Meridith of Waco; grandchildren, Alyssa, Ryan and Timothy Stuard, all of Grand Prairie; Lisa and Larry Waldon of Waco; and Ross, Jane, Anne, Jack and Emma Snider, all of Waco. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Salvation Army and Providence Hospice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey