James (Jim) Wyatt, Jr., age 65, of Richland Springs, TX, passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2010 in San Marcus, TX. Jim accepted Christ as his Savior and has left a life of pain in his final days to be at rest and peace in Heaven.

Jim was born on January 6, 1945 in Menard, TX to James Wyatt and Edna (Chadwick/Mills) Wyatt. Jim moved with his family to "the cotton belt", San Saba, TX when he was four years old. Jim's family eventually moved to Bowser TX, where the family still owns the "homeplace." Jim attended school in Richland Springs and also in San Angelo. He served in the United States Navy for eight years. During these eight years, Jim served three tours, for a total 39 months in Vietnam. Later, Jim joined the Air Force where he served throughout the world for another 14 years, including one of his favorite places on earth, Alaska. While in the military, Jim earned three college degrees in engineering. Jim retired from military life after 22 years, in 1984. Following military retirement, Jim worked for Lockheed-Martin in Ft. Worth TX until 1995, when he moved back to San Saba county to care for his aunt, Annie Mae (Chadwick) Goldberg and uncle, Clifford Chadwick. Jim considered the great outdoors his living room. He traveled throughout the United States during his lifetime to hunt and fish, including an annual trek to the San Juans of Colorado for elk.

Jim married Rhonda (Hilliard/Jacobson) Boldt on February 13, 2005. The years Jim and Rhonda spent together were filled with travel, hunting, fishing, Richland Springs Coyote football and family. A day trip to Galveston for lunch, a weekend road trip to Pensacola, FL to see a son stationed there, were not uncommon. Their last summer trip was in June and was the road "trip of a lifetime" as they traveled the western United States to Whidbey Island, (Seattle) to visit their son, Rod, who is stationed there. Jim and Rhonda moved to Sequin, TX in 2009 to be closer to their children in the Austin area and the coast where they enjoyed fishing and boating.

Jim is survived byhis wife, Rhonda; children, Darryl Wyatt of Austin,TX; David Wyatt of Fredericksburg,TX; Rod Wyatt of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, Washington,; Suxanne Wyatt of Kyle, Halmima Wyatt of San Marcos, TX; and Khalid (Joe) Wyatt of Belle Chase Naval Air stations, Lousinana; and grandson, Austin James Wyatt. Jim is also survived by one aunt, Jean (Chadwick) Stafford of Bandera and numerous cousins. Jim leaves behind two very special friends, Ed Smith of Richland Springs and Les Hammett of San Saba and their families.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Edna (Chadwick) Feist and stepfather, Clarence Feist and one daughter, Melissa Wyatt.

Jim leaves behind an empty place in the hearts of his family and friends as big as the great outdoors he loved. He was a man of his word, a man of wisdom, and a man whose larger than life presence can never be filled. His family mourns his passing and will use the life lessons he taught, the memories they shared with Jim, and their faith to help them through these sad times.

Services for Jim were held Monday, November 20, 2010 at the Richland Springs Baptist Church with Bros. Barry Fikes and Joel Densman (Prairie Lea Baptist Church officiated. Pallbearers were: Darryl Wyatt, David Wyatt, Rod Wyatt, Khalid Wyatt, Austin Wyatt, Mitchell Jacobson, Les Hammett and Ed Smith. Burial was held at Varga Chapal cemetery with the Air Force Honor Guard.