James Richard Underwood

Jim’s earthly adventure began in West Allis, Wisconsin on January 14, 1968 when he was born to Bob and Barb Underwood.

Jim was welcomed into the world on the day of Super Bowl II in plenty of time for the Underwoods to witness the Green Bay Packers trounce the Oakland Raiders. From that moment on, he was a Packer super fan. Soon after, the family added another Cheesehead, his brother and lifelong friend Mike.

The first signs of his genius came when he entered “It’s Elementary” – an elementary school quiz show. If you ever played Trivial Pursuit with Jim, you know that his ability to remember the most minute details was legendary.

His Milwaukee school career ended when he graduated as Salutatorian from Wauwatosa East High School – missing the top spot by one grade. Outside of the classroom, Jim’s first job was in produce at the local grocery store, but he quickly attained hero status in town as he took his talents to the Milwaukee Zoo, saving the dolphins by bringing blocks of ice to their aquarium during a particularly “hot” Wisconsin summer.

The next step on his adventure brought him to his adopted home state of Texas where he attended Trinity University in San Antonio. As a Midwesterner in the 80s, Jim hadn’t experienced tortillas, so he ventured to the original HEB and bought a large pack to enjoy. But one bite told him that he had accidentally acquired corn instead of flour, so he and his roommate decided to throw the tortillas like frisbees from his upper-level dorm room on to the tennis courts below.

It was in San Antonio that Jim started to question his world view and began his life of faith. He had good friends who invited him to “Fort God,” and, after some deep soul searching, he answered his Creator’s call to become a follower of Jesus – a commitment that he took seriously for the rest of his life.

After graduating from Trinity with degrees in Government and Economics, he headed to his next stop: Austin, Texas! He loved his time at the LBJ School of Public Affairs where he fostered his love of public policy and thoroughly enjoyed his classes. (Who wouldn’t when the experience included meeting interesting characters like the Honorable Barbara Jordan and Lady Bird Johnson?)

After a brief stint with Anderson Consulting, Jim found great satisfaction in working as an advisor to Governor George Bush, Governor Rick Perry and then Attorney General Greg Abbott. His passion was dealing with tough social issues like helping folks go from welfare to work, encouraging involved fatherhood, and protecting the most vulnerable in our society.

During this same time, Jim actively led the post-college, singles class at First Evangelical Free Church. Once wed, he moved on to head the young married class. He was always eager to help and lead with quirky jokes, creativity, khaki pants and running shoes.

There is no doubt that Jim would say that his best adventure began March 29, 1997 when he married the love of his life, Jeanne Thurman. They spent several years travelling from Yosemite to New Zealand (where he fell into the Tasman Sea and Jeanne thought she had lost him forever) to Maine (where Jim flew out of the boat while whitewater rafting and Jeanne thought she had lost him forever – but she rescued him) to England to Paris to Rome. Jim loved to travel and would start planning the next journey as soon as the last one was completed.

And, just when he didn’t think the adventure could get any better, Samuel, Joshua and Sarah joined the Underwood crew. Jim loved being a father and couldn’t wait to meet each of his children, take them on adventures and create a fun and loving home. The trips continued with many weekend treks to regional BBQ joints, many 4th of Julys in Wisconsin and explorations of all kinds of Texas historical spots.

Jim loved anything to do with his family, Wisconsin, Texas, the Packers, fantasy football, Texas Hold ‘Em, BBQ and public policy. While these things were fun and permeated his life, nothing compared with his love for Jesus and his pursuit of Truth. He was kind, compassionate, loving and fun. He had a one-of-kind sense of humor, a drive to do the right thing and was never afraid to take on hard tasks.

The adventure took a turn when, in 2009, Jim was diagnosed with brain cancer. This part of the journey was supposed to last no more than two years, but never one to give up, Jim fought and fought with amazing courage for over fifteen years. Jim didn’t know how to not fight. Refusing to leave his family behind, he gutted it out until his children were grown. He believed in beating the odds and was determined to be the best husband and father that he could be.

The final stop on his earthly journey was February 21, 2025 when Jim walked out of this life and into the arms of his Savior. Jeanne, Sam, Josh and Sarah spent the last few days of Jim’s life hanging out by his side and were with him as he stepped from death into life.

We all look forward to seeing him again in Heaven and are thrilled that Jim has begun a new journey, finally free, healed and with his God.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made wherever you desire. Some of Jim’s favorite charities include Community First! Village, The Source and Grace Covenant Church.

Memorial services will be held at Grace Covenant Church on March 8, 2025 at 10:00 am. Please wear your boots or Green Bay Packer colors to celebrate this next phase of Jim’s excellent adventure…and, of course, join us for BBQ after the service.