J. L. was a member at First Baptist Church in Omaha where he served as a deacon for many years. He retired from Lone Star Steel as general foreman of the warehouse. He was also a farmer and rancher. J. L. was a member of the David Elliott Masonic Lodge #364 in Omaha for over 50 years. He was also a United States Air Force Veteran. He enjoyed fishing.

J. L. was preceded in death by his wife, Ima Jean Waits in 2007; his parents; one brother, Robert Waits; one sister, Elsie Vickers; and one granddaughter, Kristen Kirk.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy Lloyd and Christal Waits of Omaha; one daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Larry Kirk of Melissa, Texas; one brother and sister-in-law, Lindle and Angel Waits of Omaha; three grandchildren, Jason Kirk and wife Shannon, Holly Mitchell, and Michelle Howard and husband Heath; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, October 15, 2017 at the funeral home. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 16, 2017 at the funeral home chapel with Bro. Keith Lauter officiating. Interment will follow at Omaha Cemetery in Omaha.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Omaha Building Fund.