James "Jim" Daniel Bargainer, Jr.

Dr. James Daniel Bargainer, Jr. (Jim) peacefully went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on March 4, 2022, at the age of 86 years in Waco, Texas.  Survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Joyce; Lovingly remembered by son David and Julie Bargainer, daughter Laura and Bruce Cresson; grandsons Collin and Mira Cresson, Patrick and Kim Cresson, Benjamin and Samuel Bargainer, granddaughter Rebecca and Isaac Beaman, great-grandchildren Elizabeth and Mackey Cresson; brothers Kenneth and Raymond Bargainer; sister Linda Berry; brother-in-law George Bechtel, nieces, nephews and his constant companion Pip.

Jim was born on Christmas Eve 1935 in Beaumont, Texas to James Daniel Bargainer and Anna Kathryn DeJean.  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Lamar University, a Master’s Degree from Northwestern University, and a PhD from The University of Texas in Austin.  He married the love of his life and best friend, Joyce Bechtel on August 1, 1959, at The First Baptist Church of Groves after first meeting her on a blind date set up by Jim’ good friend (and Joyce’s brother), George Bechtel.

He worked at Mobil Oil prior to a long career in academia beginning in 1966 at The University of Houston’s Electrical Engineering Department.  In 1979 Jim became the Director of The Institute of Engineering Science at Baylor University.  He guided the program for the next 20 years including achieving accreditation of several disciplines including the first, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the Accrediting Board for Engineering in 1986.  He became the first Dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science in June of 1995.

After retiring from Baylor University in 1999, Jim and Joyce enjoyed what he called “The Golden Years” during which they travelled internationally to Europe, Indonesia, Israel, Canada, Nova Scotia and domestically across the United States usually camping and hiking.

Throughout his life Jim enjoyed serving others.  He was a deacon at Sharpstown Baptist Church in Houston as well as Columbus Avenue Baptist Church in Waco.  Jim loved working with his hands: building cabinets, renovating their entire house, building clocks, etc.  He used these talents to build sets for plays at Columbus Avenue.  Jim also enjoyed serving others while participating in mission trips reconstructing houses and churches after hurricanes on the Texas gulf coast.  Jim loved Baylor athletics, teaching the bible to children, youth, and adults, and being with family.  His dedication to Jesus Christ set the tone and his humor kept everyone loose and engaged.

Late in life Jim said that he had lived “A Blessed Life”, but family, friends, coworkers, and students all know that it was also Jim who blessed those whom he met.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Dr. James D. Bargainer, Jr. endowed Scholarship Fund in Engineering administered by Baylor University or Columbus Avenue Baptist Church in Waco.

Evening visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Grace Gardens Funeral Home & Crematorium on Friday, March 11th.

Graveside service will be held for family at 10:00 am at Oakwood Cemetery on Saturday, March 12th.

A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church.

Condolences for the family may be offered at www.GraceGardensFH.com

Registry for James "Jim" Daniel Bargainer, Jr.