James Auther Waide

James Auther Waide

(1940-2024) 

 James Auther Waide, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and loyal friend, passed away on June 11, 2024. Known as "Papa" for the past 60 years, James was a man of faith, hard work, dedication, and immense generosity. He served God first, then his family, and relished his role in the Enchanted Roswell Community. He is already greatly missed. 

  James graduated from Roswell High School in 1960 and soon after met the love of his life, Claudia Phillips. They married six months later at the First United Methodist Church. James began his career in construction and after taking his young wife across the country, they quickly discovered that life far away from family wasn't for them. They returned to Roswell where their first two children, Craig (1964) and Heidi (1965), were born. The family later moved to Albuquerque for work with Lembke Construction Company, and soon welcomed their third child, Chad (1966).

 James earned his Journeyman's certification and worked as a construction superintendent for 10 years, mastering both the business and physical aspects of building. His expertise and daring spirit—evidenced by his ability to walk across a hundred-foot-high beam without hesitation—paved the way for him to start one of New Mexico's most successful construction companies in 1974. It is one that he continued to build alongside his son, Craig. Although there were many roadblocks and hard knocks, his company grew and he continued to earn a highly esteemed reputation of quality and service. The legacy is continued by the partnership he had with his son and their associate Matty Roehlk. Waide Construction celebrates 50 years of devoted business in 2024. 

 His work has left an indelible mark on Roswell. His contributions to his community include churches, schools, homes, businesses, government buildings and public areas. He never stopped adding to his assets and expanded his holdings to include Waide Sand and Gravel, The Brasher Road Crusher Pit, Pecos Valley Machine Shop, and his dream farm north of Roswell, all under the Hondo Resources Corporation. A dream day for him including driving to all these ventures with someone he loved. While he is most known for building, he also loved to tear down and rarely turned down a demolition opportunity, relishing in the idea of making old things new. 

Beyond his professional achievements, James and Claudia felt called to lead the high school Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) group at First United Methodist Church, despite their children not yet being of that age. Their dedication left a lasting impact on many young lives who remember him. James also served as president of the Goddard Booster Club and a board member at First American Bank. 

 Retirement was never an option for James, who’s love of hard work is evident in his tireless spirit and dedication. He left this earth moving rocks on his tractor - something he loved to do.

James’s hobbies and interests were as diverse as his accomplishments. He enjoyed sculpture, stained glass, painting, card games, history, and listening to "How I Built This" episodes. You could usually find him watching Fox News with Claudia or putting together another puzzle, which he would always encourage you to join in. He collected antique cars and loved repurposing some of the treasures he accumulated throughout his life. As a father and a grandfather, he rarely missed an event of his children and continued to be a staple of support for his nieces and nephews in their events as well.  

His generosity was boundless; he never passed a homeless person without offering help, tipped everyone—including lifeguards at the rec center—and donated resources to local baseball fields, the Boys Club, churches, and more. His true passion was giving, often rescuing those stranded on the roadside - usually family members - earning him numerous stories of heroic rescues. He adored his grandchildren and his memory will always include having a lap nap in his big chair watching cartoons. 

James is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Claudia, and their children: Craig (Kristin), Heidi (Jim), and Chad. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren: Mamie (Ethan) McKee, Maggie Brown, Holden (Nani) Waide, Mack Brown, Noah Waide, Monte Brown, Joe Waide, Jack Waide, Kate Waide, and Sam Waide; as well as Chelsea (Conrad) Henderson and five (almost six) great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Loretta Armstrong, and brother, Larry (Karen) Deen, along with sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Ronnie (Gretchen) Phillips, Joanne MacCallum, Rissie (Mitch) Daubert, Meg (Ron) Tidmore, and Ardist Allen. Additionally, his 100-year-old mother-in-law and numerous extended family members will cherish his memory.

 He is preceded in death by his son Jamie Waide, his parents CB and Janie Waide, sisters Connie Waide Allen and Sylvia Waide Allen, brother CB Waide and brother-in-laws Henry Allen and John McCallum.

James was larger than life, but he would tell you the largest part of his was his wife, Claudia. Together they built a life that has set an example for all who knew them. She was his rock, his light, the one he teased relentlessly, and the one he always wanted to come home to. Their love was unconditional and it will live on in all of our hearts. 

James Waide’s legacy of faith, family, and generosity will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. But those who loved and knew him most will always remember him by his deep blue eyes, his dedication to his family, his Godly leadership and his fervor for life. You went out with your boots on, just like you always wanted. We love you Papa. 

A viewing will be held at Lagrone Funeral Home on June 19th from 4PM-6PM. A celebration of life will be held on Friday June 21st at 10:30AM at Christ Church in Roswell, NM.

Arrangements are under the personal care of LaGrone Funeral Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.lagronefuneralchapels.com