Longtime Lubbock banker James Michael Terrell passed away on April 19. He was 71. Better known as Mike, he previously served as president and CEO at Vernon-based Waggoner National Bank, then as vice chairman of the board starting in 2014.
According to his obituary, Terrell was a teacher at heart. After serving several years as a finance professor at the University of Kansas and the University of Tulsa, he took his financial acumen and teaching skills into the private sector, eventually arriving at Waggoner National Bank as CEO. He wanted others around him to learn, grow and succeed, and he never felt more accomplished than when his colleagues and sons were also successful. “Always root for your friend’s success,” was one of his frequent adages.
In addition to his time as a professor and bank CEO, Terrell served on the board and as past chairman of the board of Farmers Branch-based TIB. He also served as chief financial officer of a steel company and was a published author. Outside of the professional world, Terrell was a self-made gourmet chef and lifetime Red Raider. Over the past several years, he cared for Donna, his wife of almost 50 years, as she struggled through the challenges of Parkinson’s. Terrell was there by her side until the end.
“The TIB family will rally around Mike’s sons—David, who works at TIB, and James—as they mourn the loss of their remaining parent,” Michael O’Rourke, president and CEO of TIB, noted in an announcement of Terrell’s passing. “We mourn with them. We will all miss Mike’s laughter and wisdom. But, most of all, we will miss his friendship and encouragement. Mike wanted nothing but the best for TIB, our people and the partner banks we serve. He not only wanted the best for us, but also from us. His ongoing motivation and reassurance were so appreciated. The good news is that Mike is now with his beloved Donna again, they are both renewed in a better place and they are smiling down on David, James, their families and the rest of us.”
Terrell is survived by his sons, James (and wife Hollie) and David (and wife Marisa); grandchildren Madison, Mathew, Ellery, Juniper and Harper; and a brother, Larry (and wife Cindy) Terrell.
A service to celebrate the life of Mike Terrell is scheduled for 2 p.m. on May 5 at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers, 6025 82nd St. in Lubbock.
