James “Jimbo” Richard Wise

James “Jimbo” Richard Wise was born on January 26, 1941 in Conroe, TX to James and Alma Wise.  He lived most of his life as a Texan in Conroe, Baytown, and for a short while, Friendswood.

After completing High School at Robert E. Lee in 1959, Jim attended Lee College.  He ultimately built a solid career as an engineer at Exxon Refinery that spanned 34 years.  During this time, he seized the opportunities given to travel and live outside the borders of the United States.  In the late 1970’s he accepted a position that led to him taking up residence in Canada.  However, his most notable professional accomplishment materialized in the 1980’s when he accepted a contracted position with Aramco.  This led to Jim moving, with a young family in tow, to Saudi Arabia where they resided for 13 years.  There, they continued to build a life filled with genuine friendships and wonderful experiences.  Even after retiring and returning to Texas, Jim went back to Saudi Arabia for 1 year with the contracting company, Parson’s. Upon returning to Texas, after what became his last overseas assignment, Jim worked for Carrs City Tires until his health began to decline in 2007.

On April 24, 1981, Jim married the love of his life, Theresa.  They were married for 37 years. Although no children were biologically born to their union, they both gained bonus children when they were united in marriage – Wendy who was 15 years old; Tricia and Chris, who were 10 and 3 years old, respectively.

Affectionately called “BoBo,” Jim’s larger-than-life personality was perfectly synced with an even larger heart.  His natural instinct to love, to inspire, and to genuinely care for others was immediately sensed by those who were blessed to have ever been in his presence.  He loved to entertain friends and family. His smoked brisket has been described as legendary, and his ability to create intricate leather goods was nothing short of incredible. The sincerity of the connections he made with others spanned the globe, making him truly and simply unforgettable.

On September 29, 2018,  Jim was surrounded by devoted family when his earthly journey ended at Friendship Haven Healthcare and Rehabilitation Facility, Friendswood.

Jim was preceded in death by parents, James and Alma Wise; and brother, Terry Dean Wise.  His cherished memory will live eternally in the heart of his loving and devoted wife, Theresa Wise;  daughters Wendy Ramirez, her children Jackson (18), Reese (16), and their father, Luis Ramirez; Tricia Evert, husband Darryl, and their daughter Ella (3); son Chris Robles, wife Kelly, and their daughters Stella (11), Avery (9).

Services will be held on October 20th – Visitation, 2:00 – 3:00 pm; and Memorial Services, 3:00 – 5:00 pm – at Crowder Funeral Home, 2422 E. Broadway St., Pearland, TX.

In lieu of flowers, consider a tribute in Jimbo’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org.

11 comments

  1. In 1981 The Huisman clan of 5 met up with the Wise family of 5 – 37 years ago overseas in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia. Over those years in Saudi we all shared a friendship with many memories – living on Shamal our kids and the adults went back and forth with gatherings, kids sports – bmx soccer baseball. Also Khobar shopping trips, returning students events, Wednesday shrimp night, holiday parties, the men running stills, and especially the famous Jimbo/Theresa horseshoe cookout party’s where the sign read “walk in but u will crawl out!” Those were fun years that flew by and would always be missed but the memories live on forever. Then eventually all moving back to Texas living 2 hrs apart we reunited visiting especially over holidays. Sadly the last ten years our times together were limited due to family obligations and many operations but our friendship never ended. In Saudi and the USA Jimbo was our “gentle giant” and Jimbo will be in our hearts forever – until we meet again Jim we love you – the Huisman 5 – Paula Hans Terry Matthew and Douglas

    Paula M Huisman
  2. I met the Wise family years ago when Juanita and I moved to
    Saudi Arabia to work for Aramco. I spent many a day with Jimbo on the pipeline and in Daharan where lived.
    we loved the many cook outs and parties at the Wise’s home.
    I never knew a finer man than Jimbo. May he RIP.
    condolences to the Wise family.

    Jim R Pixley
  3. I wish we were there to hug you Theresa, Wendy, Tricia and Chris. Be fun to meet all your children too. My Mom said it well above. We are so sad for your loss. Jimbo will be missed everyday. He’s too big to be forgotten! And, I know his love will live on in each of you and all of us. Cheers to Jimbo toasting with a tall glass of uncut Siddiqui…sending you LOVE, LIGHT and HEALING from the SF Bay Area of California — Terry Huisman, my kids Talon and Cayenne and my partner Nigel Brown (Dhahran, Aramco Brat)

    Terry Huisman
  4. Wendy, I am so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. I went to Memorial Baptist Church. I was really good friends with your dad’s brother, Terry. My mom and your grandmother were best friends. I think my sister, Dayna knows you too. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Gary Goss

    Gary Gos
  5. Theresa, I am thy sister, and friend. I too wish I could be there to hug you and the kids. The two of you have been the kindest,caring and honest friends that we have ever had. Jonathan and Eric still remember coming to your house to go swimming and Jimbo coming out every few minutes to see if they needed anything. I loved listening to the stories about over seas and seeing your treasures. Jimbo was the kind of person who would have given you the shirt off his back and he loved to party. Salute Jimbo until we meet again.
    Love and prayers to you all.
    Mickie and Jim Jones

    Mickie Jones
  6. It’s hard for me to get all my memories of Jimbo together and put some things down on paper without taking forever, but he was always one of my favorite relatives (1st cousin; my mother Iris was Jimbo’s dad Jim’s sister). I was about a year older, so I was bigger than Jimbo for a while, but he eventually caught up and then went on to get considerably taller. One thing that also increased considerably was his ability to pull your leg with some tall but very convincing tale while maintaining the straightest of faces. It took me a while to catch on to this, because as a kid Jimbo’s folks were Baptists (as were mine), and I’m pretty sure such prevaricating was frowned on. But, come to think of it, Uncle Jim was something of a jokester, too. Anyhow, I went on to college, then the Army, then to work as an engineer, and eventually to Aramco in Abqaiq in 1973, so a fair number of years went by without my seeing much of Jimbo. When he and Theresa moved to Abqaiq (1981, I think), I started seeing a lot more of him—well, a bit more, anyhow, since he spent so much time out on the E-W Pipeline. But on occasion, it would be party time, and Jimbo and Theresa’s parties were quite memorable, with, say, a whole goat barbequing on an outside firepit, and later in Dhahran, whole turkeys being deep-fried in an oil kettle over a big propane burner.

    Jimbo was likeable, caring, honest, hard-working, and generous. I’m sorry I won’t be able to make it to the service, but at least I got to see Jimbo when I was visiting in Texas in April of this year. He couldn’t communicate very well, but when he saw me walking toward him in the Friendswood dining room, he gave me a 1000-watt grin that I’ll never forget. I’ll really miss him, and I send my condolences and best wishes to Theresa, Wendy, Tricia, and Chris.

    Wm. Preston Lamp
  7. Tricia and I became friends as adults post college and still remain close to this day. While I did not see Jim often, he will be ever present as the man who changed the course of my dear friend’s life. Giving her and her family travels beyond what is considered normal, dear memories and friends around the globe. My deepest sympathies Theresa and family. Jim was a sweet man and I will remember him dearly.

    Carolyn Bolcar
  8. Family – It is a word that most believe means related by blood or marriage and though it is true it isn’t complete. We are family. Aaramcon’s became each others families and when it was time to leave to return to our home country we left a part of us behind. Our love for the Wise family has never demised. Miles and time may have stood between us but our affection for Jimbo, Theresa, Wendy, Trish and Chris is still strong. Jimbo may have left this “country” to return to his permanent home, but our love for him will not depart. We don’t cry for Jimbo, but cry for us, that our world is a little less bright without him here. Ken, JD and I send you our prayers and our love, our tears and our hugs, and we thank God that He allowed us to be part of Jimbo’s life. Even if for just a little while. Love you so much, Bonnie Schnoor

    Boonie Schnoor
  9. I’m sorry to hear of Jimbo’s passing. He was an amazing person and friend to our family. He will be truly missed. I regret not be able to attend today but the Wise & Robles families are in our thoughts. Even though we don’t see each other often, you’re always family.

    Rest In Peace Jimbo. October 20, 2018

    Condolences,
    Douglas & the Huisman Family

    Douglas Huisman
  10. We had the privilege of first meeting Jimmy in the late 1970’s when he was an engineer in Alberta, Canada. Ever since then, he was family for us. The time we spent together in Canada was wonderful. Jimmy looked after our young children when Carol was taking driving lessons. He introduced us to his parents, James and Alma, and daughter, Wendy when they visited Alberta.

    Jimmy’s presence was always one of peace. We marvel at how fortunate we were to meet Jimmy when we did, and how blessed we were to have him as a lifelong friend. He truly was a man of the world, and will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched.

    Ron and Carol
  11. I’ve just now found this and I hope it finds you all well. I’m so sorry to hear about Jimbo’s passing! One of my favorite memories of him was in Abqaiq qwhen he and daddy convinced mom that horses needed tennis shoes!!! He always made me smile and will be forever missed! I know we haven’t seen each other in forever, and shame on us since we’re all here in Houston, but know that I think of your family often and fondly! We love you guys!!!

    Carmen Rogers Gentes

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