James M. "Jim" Tidwell

James M. “Jim” Tidwell, died surrounded by friends and his beloved wife, Ann, on the 30th of May 2013, after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a loved and loving husband, father, and friend and a respected business associate who will be greatly missed.

Jim was born in Wichita, Kansas on the 31st of August 1946. He grew up in Wichita and attended the University of Kansas. With a brilliant mind and through hard work, Jim graduated in four years with a bachelor’s and masters’ degree in accountancy. He was a lifelong and rabid Jayhawk fan.

Jim and Ann, his wife of thirty-five years, have been long time residents of Houston. He gave generously of his time and talents through his active involvement in community affairs and numerous charitable efforts. Among other things, Jim supported Ann in her ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis by serving as a director of the National MS Society and director of its local chapter. Jim rode in the Houston MS 150 and was its top fundraiser on many occasions.

With his keen intellect and commitment to hard work, Jim enjoyed success in public accountancy and in business. He began his career with the public accounting firm Haskins and Sells, where he became a manager. After leaving public accountancy, Jim served in senior management positions with several companies, including BJ-Hughes, Vetco Gray, Daniel Industries and others, primarily in the energy industry. He spent the last twelve years of his career with Houston’s Wedge Group, retiring in October 2012 as Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Jim was often sought after to serve as a director on corporate boards. With his common sense and honesty, he always provided a unique and refreshing perspective. Jim also had a quick wit and a dry sense of humor with which he often surprised friends and colleagues, but which was always appreciated. Those traits also made him a trusted advisor and confidante to his many friends, neighbors, and professional colleagues.

Jim was intellectually curious and an avid reader. He had varied interests ranging from politics to science fiction. He most enjoyed spending time with his beloved Ann and their many friends.

Jim is survived by his wife, Ann Tidwell; his daughter, Melissa Wohlberg and her husband Chuck Wohlberg; his son, Steve Tidwell; his grandchildren, Amanda Mayfield, Jordan Mayfield, Matthew Mayfield and Kylie Wohlberg; his brother, John; and sisters, Jan and Judy.

The family extends its love and gratitude to Jim and Ann’s numerous friends and neighbors for their thoughts, prayers and support. The family is grateful to Dr. Maher Bishara, Dr Madhureeta Achari and all of the nurses, staff and doctors who attended to Jim’s needs in his final days at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital. The family is especially grateful to family friend Kim Laflamme for her care and support.

The memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 4th of June, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions, in Jim’s name may be directed to the National MS Society, 8111 N. Stadium Dr., Ste. 100, Houston, TX, 77054 or visit (http://mainnationalmssociety.org/goto/JimTidwell2013).