Jimmie Franklin Wardell

Jimmie Franklin Wardell Airman First Class Jimmie Franklin Wardell, 79, died peacefully on June 4, 2025. A proud veteran of the Vietnam War, Jimmie was a brave and loyal soldier, a devoted family man, and a cherished friend. Born on November 4, 1945, in Wilmington, DE, Jimmie was the youngest of the ten children of John and Edyth Wardell. He graduated from H. Fletcher Brown Technical High School as a pressman in 1964, and later joined the armed forces. After completing basic training at San Antonio’s Air Force base camp in 1964, he was stationed at Hunter Air Force Base in Savannah, Georgia, before transferring to Travis Air Force Base in Vallejo, California, in 1966. In September of 1967, Jimmie was deployed to Vietnam as an Airman First Class, where he served honorably until his discharge in September 1968. Jimmie married Sara Sangster in Wilmette, IL, in 1975. He enjoyed a long and successful career as a print pressman, working for Hercules, Minute Man Press, and the Opportunity Center. In 1978, he earned a business degree from Goldey-Beacom College, and eventually became a Production Manager for Copy Craft, Inc., where he retired in 2007. A lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan, Jimmie was overjoyed to witness their second Super Bowl Championship this past February. He loved watching football, going on cruises, playing cards, listening to music and dancing, building Lego models and puzzles, and spending time with his family and friends. For over thirty years, he was a proud friend of Bill W. Known by many affectionate nicknames—Bear, Pop-Pop, Jim, Jimmie-Mack, Old Man, and Mr. Crumbles—Jimmie leaves behind a loving legacy. He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Sara (Six-Second Sara), his children Jo-Amrah (Jo-Jo) and Nicholas Baronie, and Jason and Julie Wardell. His greatest joys were his grandchildren: Madison Marie, Maynard Declan, Gianna Marie, and James Allen. He will also be missed by his dogs Noelle and Merry, and his grand dog, Bella. Jimmie is survived by his sisters, Barbara Joan (BJ) Watson (Mel), Sister Sandra Wardell, OSU, and Wonder (Wanda) Wardell; brother-in-law Maynard Allen Sangster (Lori); sister-in-law Jo-Amrah Dillingham (Ted); and many nieces, nephews, and friends he considered family. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Edgar Wardell and Edyth Mae Wardell, and siblings Dorothy (Dottie) Moffett (Charlie), John (Jackie) Edgar Jr., Evelyn J. Janvier (Melvin), Donald E. (Rocky) (Dot), Eileen E. Moffett (Raymond), Kenneth Robert (Bobbie) (Jean), and Edith May (Bunny). Eagles attire is encouraged for those attending the services. Visitation will be held at the Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Road, Newark, DE 19702, on Thursday, June 12, from 6–8 p.m. An additional visitation will take place at St. John the Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington, DE, on Friday, June 13 from 11 AM to 12 Noon. A Memorial Mass will follow at 12 PM. Burial will be private. Funeral arrangements are provided by the Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home. For directions or to send an online condolence please visit www.stranofeeley.com

Jimmie Franklin Wardell

November 4, 1945 - June 4, 2025

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