James K Goodwin

James Kilmer Goodwin resident of Stamford Connecticut passed away peacefully at Stamford Hospital on Wednesday, June 8th. Jim was born in East St. Louis, IL to James and Imogene Goodwin on May 17th, 1946. Jim was an All-State IL Football player and attended University of Kansas via a full scholarship. He graduated with honors from the school of business and an entry-level job to Proctor & Gamble, which moved him from Pittsburg, PA to Milwaukee, WI, and finally Cincinnati, OH where he resided for 14 years.

He had a successful career at Proctor & Gamble rising through the ranks to VP of Consumer Package Goods before leaving to take a CEO position in 1992 at James River Paper Company in Richmond, VA and Norwalk, CT. Jim retired from his position in 1995 and proceeded to take a position of Director of Development at Norwalk Community College. Jim also had an entrepreneur spirit with his involvement in the Internet company eWay Direct and most recently worked to aid another Internet Company Fast Model.

Jim loved life and had many interests and passions including photography, travel, and most especially golf. He most recently had the trip of a lifetime to Africa last fall with his wife and travel partner Darlene. Jim was involved in the community serving on various boards such as Burning Tree Country Club, River Oaks, and The Stamford Palace Theater for the Arts.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Darlene Ryan Goodwin who he was happily married to for 20 years. He is also survived by three children: Jamie Melecio of Stamford, CT; Debbie Stein of Cincinnati OH; and Kevin Goodwin of Windlaw, BC Canada, and three step children Ryan Heide of Stamford, CT; David Heide of Brooklyn, NY; and Erin Heide of London, England.

Jim was a loving grandfather to all of his grandchildren and is survived by: Jonah and Mary Rose Goodwin of Windlaw, BC Canada; Victor and Erik Melecio of Stamford, CT; Brandon, Kendall, and Meredith Stein of Cincinnati, OH; Declan and Dillon Heide of Stamford, CT; and Olive Heide of Brooklyn, NY.

Visitation will be held at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer St. in Stamford, CT on Friday, June 10th from 4pm to 8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Leo Parish on 24 Roxbury Road at 11am Saturday June 11th.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Darlene Ryan Goodwin scholarship fund at Norwalk Community College Foundation, 188 Richards Ave., Suite E311, Norwalk, CT 06854.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.leopgallagherstamford.com