RIP: Former Spokane Bishop James Waggoner dies at age 77

Former Spokane Bishop James Waggoner. Photo: Facebook

[Episcopal News Service] The Rt. Rev. James Waggoner, who served the Diocese of Spokane as bishop for 17 years, died on Feb. 27. He was 77.

In announcing his death, the diocese said of Waggoner, “He served our diocese faithfully for 17 years. Well done, good and faithful servant. May angels surround him and saints welcome him home.”

Waggoner was ordained a priest in 1980 in the Diocese of West Virginia and served parishes there before becoming canon to the ordinary. In 2000 he was elected the eighth bishop of Spokane, which includes eastern Washington and northern Idaho.

He retired when his successor, Bishop Gretchen Rehberg, became the diocese’s ninth bishop in 2017. He then served as assisting bishop in Nevada from 2019 to 2022.

Waggoner is survived by his wife, Gloria, and two sons. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.