James Richard Greenwood
JAMES (JIM) RICHARD GREENWOOD passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, after a hard-fought battle with congestive heart failure. Jim was born in Natchez, Mississippi, on September 4, 1938, the youngest child of Richard Martin and Ruth Elinor Greenwood. He was preceded in death by his daughter Patty Greenwood and two infant daughters, Anne and Catherine. Jim is survived by his wife Janet Greenwood, daughter Cynthia Greenwood, and son-in-law Robert Molder, as well as two sisters, Joan Allnoch and Susan Reyes. In addition, he is survived by his brother-in-law Harold Kingham, Harold’s wife Lu Kingham, a special cousin, Ardis Collins, and numerous nieces, nephews, and close family friends.
Jim retired from Radisys Corporation (Texas Microsystems) in 2003 after a successful career as an electrical and electronics engineer. He held positions with NL Industries, Atec Inc., Dresser Industries, Ohio Medical Products, and Texas Instruments, among others. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physics from the University of Texas at Austin, and he received a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from The University of Houston. Jim was an avid sailor and the architect of an endless array of creative construction and engineering projects at his various residences. He relished frequent travels to England, France, Italy, and California with his wife, children, and close friends. He revered his pet felines and never grew tired of pondering their sly, mysterious ways.
Before he died, Jim wished to extend heartfelt appreciation toward the team of Kelsey-Seybold specialists and nurses who cared for him over the past several years, particularly Dr. Earl Beard, Dr. Mark MacGregor, Dr. Madjid Mirzai-Tehrane, Dr. June Yao, and Dr. Puneet Patni.
The Greenwood family will commemorate Jim’s life on Saturday, April 27th, with a visitation at noon and a service at 1 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, located at 1612 E. Walker in League City, Texas 77573. After the service, a reception will be held at Bay Oaks Country Club at 14545 Bay Oaks Blvd., Houston, Texas 77059. In lieu of flowers, Jim’s family welcomes donations to St. Thomas High School (www.sths.org), St. Agnes Academy (www.st-agnes.org), or The University of St. Thomas, Houston (www.stthom.edu).
Dear friends,
I knew Jim in high school and had a lot of conversations with him during my time at St. Thomas.. Once I even went on a double date with him and a couple of SAA girls, one of whom I shall never forget. I will be indebted to him and the girl who set me up with the blind date for that night. It was memorable. I wish that we had been friends in our later years, but we took different paths. Too bad we didn’t.
Dear Janet,
Jim and I took many classes together and we both ended up majoring in physics – Jim at UT and I attended St. Thomas. Our class of ’56 was a very special group of friends and still today we are connected via electronic media. My prayers will be for Jim and his wonderful family he has left. But take consolation he is in a much better place without the suffering he experienced over these last months.
Lee Butler, Class of ’56
James Greenwood was a big man with big opinions and an even bigger, if fragile, heart. I loved the man. He and Janet took me into their family when I was a young man trying to find my place in this world. They treated me with kindness and respect and I will never forget their generosity. Rest in peace, friend.
Dear Janet:
… … the memories …and some tears have flooded over me throughout the day; mainly of STHS times, the ’47 Studebaker coupe with 3 on a tree and a “hill holder” – only Greenwood would have such a unique auto, all chipping in for gas @ about 18 cents/gal. – picking up Gibbons and sometimes Jerry Muhl and we were off – maybe to some special place or to One’s -A- Meal on West Gray for a grilled cheese done on a waffle iron – how all of us got into that car at one time testified to our good physical condition … those were halcyon days for us all; at the sock hops in the gym, you and Jim were such a striking couple . .. . .. and at the 50th. Class reunion still a striking couple… …I am very sad; Jim was a special man, and I never recall days at STHS the Jim isn’t part of the story. I will light candle in his memory at Mass this weekend.
Jim’s death reminded me of my own mortality. There is a time for us to be “born” and a time for us to “die”. A sobering event to dwell on. I remember Jim as a kind and warm person. In his presence, he exuded charm that was envious and I loved his “hats”. Likewise, we both attended St Thomas HS and the Univ. of St. Thomas.
Knowing that Jim is now in a blissful place and free of physical pain should be a consolation to us all. Janet……I will be thinking about you and will be sending you “Positive Energy”………….Grab hold of it ! May Jim and all of our departed alumni…Rest In Peace
Words fail me. He was a great man. I know is his loss is profound and his legacy immense. My prayers of peace and comfort to all who knew and loved him. May peace and light surround Janet and Cynthia and all their family.
Joyce
Janet we have been remembering all the Good Times we had in Friendswood & Galveston Bay with the Greenwoods. Sailing, tearing sheetrock out after another flood, the Houston Oilers Love Ya Blue football parties, our kids growing up, and
the sad times when other friends passed on. We always enjoy the Christmas photo
of you & Jim and the news of how your year has been. Exchanging cat stories was always fun !
Janet, we’re so sorry for your loss of Jim. May God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
Love, Russ and Elvia
Dear Janet,
We will miss Jim so much. We will never forget your visits to Round Rock & the fun we had. He was such a wonderful guy & I so loved teasing him. We will always remember those times as well as the fun times at Bay Oaks CC.
Love you,
Bill & Sharon Lowes