James Frederick Wortman
1940 - 2014
James Frederick Wortman
1940 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
James Wortman Obituary
Jim was a true family man who knew the importance of education. He encouraged and supported all of his children to achieve their educational goals. This support was apparent in his children achieving success in the banking, accounting, hospitality and biology industries.
When he wasn't working, Jim loved to travel. Jim's expertise in the casino gaming industry provided him the opportunity to travel to four continents. Jim's favorite travel destination was Germany where his mother was born. His second favorite location was France. For ten years, Jim escorted students from the University of Houston, to France to experience the culture and study the casino and hospitality industry in Europe.
Jim served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force between 1962 and 1964. After leaving the service he took a position with the Vinland, NJ YMCA as their athletic director. During the mid-1970's he moved into the field of education as a faculty member and then the Athletic Director at Atlantic Community College in Mays Landing, NJ. This was the beginning of a long career in higher education. In the 1980's the casino industry came to Atlantic City where Jim took a job as a dealer and quickly moved up to the position of Casino Administrator at several casinos. Jim was asked to return to Atlantic Community College as the Director of the Casino Career Institute. The years spent in the casino industry made him a valuable addition to the Conrad Hilton College where he spent the last eighteen years of his career teaching casino gaming and hospitality.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Janet Wortman of League City, and five children; Steven Wortman and fiancé Cheryl Gmuer of Dover DE; Kim Brownell and husband David of Deptford, NJ; Jennifer McDermott and husband Garrison of Ocean City, NJ; Christine Garland and husband Mark of Egg Harbor Township, NJ; and Joy Tucci and husband Paul of Galloway, NJ. He is also survived by five grandchildren; Blake and Zachary Bickford of Temecula, CA; Christian McDermott of Ocean City, NJ; and Johnathan and Matthew Garland of Egg Harbor Township, NJ.
A viewing will be held at Forest Part East Funeral Home in Webster, TX between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 followed by a graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to the Conrad Hilton College at the University of Houston.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bob & Suz Thomason
November 21, 2014
May God bless and keep our brother Jim close now and forever. He is a part of our lives and in our hearts. What a wonderful guy. We shall truly miss him.
Akash Grover
November 21, 2014
Brandon Wall
November 21, 2014
I am very saddened by this news. Mr. Wortman was one of my favorite professors to talk to while at UH and during my student career, he offered lots of advice and never minced words. He taught me that accountability and integrity were very valuable and while he didn't say much, it had much impact. My condolences and prayers to your family in this time of loss.
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Bart
November 20, 2014
My sincere condolences to the family. Mr. Wortman was an excellent educator. His classes were always informative but more importantly, they were fun! He had a great passion for the gaming industry and was a huge asset to the college. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Tina Bolten HRMA 2007
November 20, 2014
An amazing man with a heart of gold. Of all the time at UH can't remember many professor, WORTMAN unforgettable. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
November 19, 2014
While my time spent with Prof. Wortman was brief, it was also very lasting. My condolences and prayers go out to the Wortman family.
Akash Grover
November 19, 2014
Over the past decade, I have been a student, colleague and friend of Professor Wortman's. Through his life experiences and stories he shaped the journey and touched the life of each and every student to step foot into his classroom. Professor Wortman will be greatly missed and my prayers are with his family.
Kristen Sophia Rosales
November 19, 2014
Professor Wortman was a great teacher and a good mentor to me during my early years studying at the Hilton College. He had always given me good as well as practical advice on how to excel as a hospitality professional. I will always remember him fondly and may God comfort his family. Go with God Dr. Wortman.
John Bowen
November 19, 2014
Jim was a great colleague, teacher and friend. His students loved him and he loved his students. Jim would often receive emails and calls from former students that were working in industry. They called him because they were proud of the promotion they had just received and wanted to thank him for what he taught them that lead to the promotion. This is the highest compliment a teacher can receive. Jim will be missed and fondly remembered.
Jim and my husband in Angers, 2009
Marie Christine Bonneau
November 19, 2014
Jim at the Chateau de Saumur
Marie Christine Bonneau
November 19, 2014
Marie Christine Bonneau
November 19, 2014
I have been one of Jim's close friend and colleague for 16 years. He taught how to become an educator in Hospitality and I would not manage a programme today without him. He has shown me by all means that human contact and people care were the most important you can teach and embody in life and in the service industry. When I was surprised of the help he could give me, he would say"are we not a team?". When I lacked of confidence, he used to tell me:"Go ahead. You are the best." When I was complaining of my management tasks, he used to say: "Give me a break! Why do you think people comes to you?". He told me he wanted me to have a smile on my face each time I would remember him, and actually it works! Love, Marie Christine
Nga Nguyen
November 18, 2014
Professor Wortman is the most inspiring teacher of mine. His lessons are full of motivation and fun. He reminds me of not losing our sense of humor and enthusiasm of being creative. I am sending my prayers to Professor and his family.
Telishia Long
November 18, 2014
Janet, my condolences are with you and your family. Your husband was a great man whom loved you dearly and he was always such a joker! I know he will be greatly missed.
Mr. Wortman meeting my son, Joshua, for the first time in '03
Amber Miller
November 18, 2014
I had the great honor of meeting Mr. Wortman my first semester at CHC. I offered to take his projector slides and put the information in PowerPoint for him. From that point on a friendship was formed. I loved his knowledge and kindness. I took as many classes as I could that he taught and went on a few trips. While working on my MHM I even had the opportunity to be his graduate assistant. He was often in my thoughts and this picture is in my son's baby book. I have many fond memories and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I only wish I could pay my respect in person.
Laura Sutherland
November 18, 2014
I had the honor and privilege of working with Jim for over 13 years at the Hilton College. When you saw Jim, you couldn't help but smile and feel better about your day. He would come to my office every day, sit down, and we would visit about everything. It was always the best part of my day.
While I have many memories of Jim, there is one thing that stands out above all else when I think of him...his genuine love, care, and concern for the students. His passion for teaching and helping the students was unlike anything I have ever seen. Many alumni received amazing job opportunities because of Jim.
He has left a lasting imprint on my heart and my life is richer for having known him.
Jan, my heart goes out to you and to his children. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Bill North
November 18, 2014
Professor Wortman was my all time favorite professor at CHC and a true educator. His legacy lives on with the thousands of students he taught and the passion he showed for gaming. He will be missed.
Julie Engbrock
November 17, 2014
Oh, Jim. You were the best. We had many talks. I was proud to be your student, and very proud to call you friend. Janet, he spoke of you always, your lives together, the dogs, so many funny stories. God be with all of you.
Allison Mugnier
November 17, 2014
I took just one class from Jim Wortman in the mid 90s at UH but I considered him one of my best personal advisors. I haven't spoken to him in probably 15 years, but I have thought of him at least once a week since then, and was talking about him just a few days ago with a friend. He was, simply, a truly good man, with a gift for reaching people. I am so incredibly saddened to hear of his passing.
Colleen Montini
November 17, 2014
He was one of the best teachers and mentors that I had at U of H and had more common sense, practicality, and just plain heart than most. I used him as a reference on job applications and more than once had an interviewer tell me that "this Jim Wortman told me if I didn't hire you, I was an idiot!". Thanks for keeping me employed. :) You will be missed.
Millie Shen
November 17, 2014
Thank you, professor Wortman! I really enjoyed to be in your class. I still remembered to go to the two casino trips with you. They were fun and educational! He will be greatly missed.
Anita Garcia
November 17, 2014
Janet, I am very sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
fjohn reinke (mc1968)
November 17, 2014
The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
November 17, 2014
Your husband Jim was always kind. He enjoyed speaking of your travels together and how the two of you met. With sympathy for the loss of your dear husband.
Marilyn Larsen
November 17, 2014
Janet, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Madeline Garcia-Melgoza
November 17, 2014
Jim Wortman was the best professor. He has stuck in my mind since I started the Hilton College. Just this past Halloween I remembered the "toddler walk" he used to do to imitate the kids walking up to houses with their candy bag out. I'm deeply saddened and wish only comfort on his family. One of my dreams was to be able to go to on his study abroad trips to France, but I never got the opportunity. He will undoubtedly be missed and changed many, many lives.
Brittany Taggart
November 17, 2014
I have fond memories of Professor Wortman at UofH. He was always very matter of fact and always made us laugh. He certainly touched our lives. My prayers are with you, he will be truly missed.
Rose Shirey
November 17, 2014
Janet, my prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss.
Martha Willis
November 17, 2014
Jim was a kind and gentle man with quick smile and ready ear. He was a GEM and will be greatly missed by his family.
Kim Costandi
November 17, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the Wortman family. I was fortunate to spend time with Professor Wortman during a summer session in Aruba with UH in 1998. He had such a passion for teaching and his students, and all who he taught are fortunate to have benefited from his lessons. He will certainly be missed, yet his legacy at the Hilton College will continue.
Jacqueline Duke
November 17, 2014
Jim Wortman was one of my most memorable professors at the University of Houston, being from Alaska every time I would come down the hall and he was approaching he would belt out in his deep voice "NORTH TO ALASKA" and make me smile. You will be missed Jim.
Meghan
November 17, 2014
Professor Wortman was the best professor I had at U of H, or anywhere for that matter. He instilled a love of gaming from the first day I met him & I've thought of him often since I graduated 6 years ago. RIP Professor.
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