James Edward Bryant, Jr.

James Edward Bryant, Jr. November 10, 1949 August 3, 2015 James Edward Bryant, Jr. joined his maker on Monday, August 3, 2015, after a six year struggle with cancer. His memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 7, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home with Pastor John Gondol officiating. Jim was born November 10, 1949, in Waco, Texas, to James Edward Bryant Sr, and was grandson to JC and Sidney White and Roy and Ida Bryant. Jim met the love of his life and soul mate, Lona, in 1972 at MCC. They have been married for 43 years and have four children, Teresa Lynn Hall, Christine Yvonne Goffinet, James Edward Bryant III and Catherine Elizabeth Parks. Jim grew up in North Waco, and graduated from Richfield High School. He is a fourth generation Master Mason, Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner. Jim was a little league softball and soccer coach for his children. He was a Cub Scout leader, Scout Master, and was presented the Scoutmaster Award of Merit. Jim began his study of Nursing and Healthcare in 1970 at McLennan Community College where he received an RN degree. He completed a BSN at UT Austin and an MBA at Baylor University. In a career of over 40 years, Jim worked at Hillcrest and Providence Hospitals, and was part of the leadership team that built the new Providence in the mid 1980's. He advanced to Chief Nursing Officer at St. Joseph Health Center in Hot Springs Arkansas; worked as Chief Nursing Officer for Texas Health Resources in Kaufman Texas; and as Chief Executive Officer of Surgical Hospitals in Pasadena, Garland, and McKinney, Texas. He earned Certification in Neurosurgical Nursing and Emergency Nursing, and is a Fellow in American Academy of Healthcare Executives. Jim retired to Aransas Pass on the Texas Gulf Coast where he enjoyed fishing and playing golf. Jim is survived by his wife, Lona; children, Teresa Lynn Hall, Christine Yvonne Goffinet, James Edward Bryant III and Catherine Elizabeth Parks and husband, David; six grandchildren, Nicole Marie Childers, Justin Edward Goffinet, Chance Lee Goffinet, Amanda Jo Parks, Andrew Edward Parks and Mason James Parks; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and Gail Bryant and Doug and Tami Cord; two uncles and aunts, John Cary and Lou White and William Mack and Betty Bryant; and his inspiration, Maggie Lee. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to MD Anderson Cancer Center, The Boy Scouts of America or the Wounded Warrior Project. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WHBfamily.com.