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James WHITE Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James WHITE
Libby Parker
July 29, 2017
Correction to the date on the High School Reunion picture. The Reunion was 1981.
Jim and Libby at Libby's HS Reunion 1961
Libby Parker
July 28, 2017
I met Jim through a mutual friend in Tucson in the mid 1970s. I was studying for a Masters in Economics at UA and Jim was a professor in Chemical Engineering. During the time I was friends with Jim, I took up a hobby in belly dancing. Jim was very supportive and fronted the money for the first dance workshop and show that I sponsored in Tucson. The show drew 500 people to one of Tucson's hotels and Jim was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. In 1978, I returned to Washington, DC to pursue a career in the Federal Government. Jim and I kept in touch over the years, sometimes visiting each other or meeting in other cities when on business trips. He accompanied me to my 20th High School reunion. We lost touch for awhile and then renewed our friendship in the early 2000s.. Jim was one of the most intelligent and interesting people in my life.
Jim and Libby Christmas 2004
July 15, 2017
Jim's Birthday 2004 with Libby
July 15, 2017
Jim and Libby Sonora 2004
Libby Parker
July 15, 2017
Jim as Master of Ceremonies 1975
Libby Parker
July 15, 2017
Picture of Jim as Master of Ceremonies.
Jim Coburn
May 7, 2017
I first met Jim when he was a Professor at U of A and I was a working on my MSCS masters in the 1970s,
I even rented one of his houses off campus and spend two fun years working with him in his real-time lab.
Jim was the biggest impact on my life and my career and I will never forget his support and encouragement.
The startup years at MMS were some of the best learning experiences of my life. Jim, you were on of the best.
Don Eyre
February 22, 2017
I was hoping to stay with Jim this spring for a arizona birding trip. we have done this several times in the last 50 years. We went to highschool together. He was a one of a kind neat person and I miss him dearly. Just found out tonight just before I tried to call him. My best to sharron. Love from Don Eyre
Memorial bbq
Denham Kelsey
February 19, 2017
My mother,(Janet Kelsey) introduced us, (myself and my sisters), to her "cousin Jim" back in the 1960s in Claymont, DE where we had some wonderful memories of gatherings at my grandparent's house during holidays. Jim's parents, Cameron And Helen,(my grandmother's brother and sister-in-law) always affectionately referred to him as Jimmy which I suppose he did not like at the time, and one was in peril of a sideways glance if they used his parent's cute name later in his adult life.
Jim and his wife Mary invited me to live with them almost 50 years ago in Willingboro, NJ where I first got to know him well.
When Jim partnered with his students, Mike Arnold and Mark Baker to sell computerized control systems to mines around the world he invited me to come out west to fly the Modular Mining Corporate Jet if it materialized.
I never regretted moving to Tucson where Jim continued to be Jim. He was always literal and to the point and ready to loudly quip, "scarcer than hens teeth", "6 in one or a half dozen in another", "pax vobiscum", "modis vivendi", "madder than a wet hen", "to hell in a hand wagon" and so on.
Jim had an uncanny way of possessing information or resources that if he felt one was worthy he would share with them and on many occasions he was there to help me without hesitation.
We had some great times and I can remember hundreds of humorous stories that would be typical of anyone's experience that knew Jim well.
Jim, who was larger than life was a big part of my life and I will miss him dearly.
Janet Kelsey
February 4, 2017
I lived next door to Jim.from the time he was born until I married. He was my mother's brother and we lived with his mother and father. I can't describe the pride we all had.of his many achievements, but particularly the friendship and love he had for my son and daughter-in-law, Maya and Denham. Rest in peace my cousin. He couldn't believe my 15 Years on him and certainly did not believe that he would go first. Strangely we hadn't figured on the tragedy that occurred. God bless you, Jim.
Maya, Jim and Denham
Maya Kelsey
February 4, 2017
Jim
Maya Kelsey
February 4, 2017
Jim
Maya Kelsey
February 4, 2017
Maya, Jim, Denham and Libby
Maya Kelsey
February 4, 2017
Jim and Denham at Starr Pass
Maya Kelsey
February 4, 2017
Maya, Jim and Denham
Maya Kelsey
February 4, 2017
Jim
Maya Kelsey
February 4, 2017
Jim in one of his convertibles
Maya Kelsey
February 4, 2017
Jim and Denham
Maya Kelsey
February 4, 2017
Jim
Maya Kelsey
February 4, 2017
Maya, Jim and Libby having Jim's favorite fondue on the patio at Cairndhu
Maya Kelsey
February 4, 2017
Surrounded by family at Cairndhu
Maya Kelsey
February 4, 2017
Jim White died on January 7, 2017 at 7pm and he was 77 years old. Jim will always be missed so much by all of his close family. I have so many thank you's, so many memories, so much love for Jim. Luckily, we always remained close until the end and we had so many laughs, dinners, and long talks. Jim was a true character and he had true character. When I met Jim he always cared about my relationship to his closest relative and friend, Denham. If it wasn't for Jim coming to Tucson and bringing Denham, Denham and I would have never met. Denham is the love of my life and I will always be indebted to Jim. Jim's personality was big and he was a very generous man. He did a lot in his time and touched a lot of lives. Jim is missed in our home and in our hearts every day.
DOREL VANEGAS
January 30, 2017
Jim
You lit the flame in 1979 when Modular came into fruition and with your devoted energy, the flame grew larger. Your life's work will always be a beaming beacon of light for me and others that knew you.
Dorel Vanegas
January 26, 2017
I knew Jim at Modular Mining as he and I would work together during our company's Communication lunches where he would say a few words and hand out Service Award plaques to employees reaching service milestones. He was able to hand out plaques to those that have celebrated from 5-30 plus years and continue to work here. It was great to see that employees in today's world will actually stay that long. As many have said he was definitely a rare gem that encompassed a plethora of intelligence, wit, humor and a no nonsense character. On the other side that was a gentle kindness and sophistication and he was in a league of his own. In his honor and friendship that we had, I have his original employee #3 badge on my desk in his memory along with a few items that remind all what a wonderful and visionary man he was. May your spirit be free now Jim.
Josh McNair
January 25, 2017
I know I speak for the rest of the Primo staff when I say that Jim will be missed. His strong spirit and no-nonsense attitude helped to build the ambiance in and around the restaurant, with hundreds of conversations being held over the years. I was away from the restaurant for more than a year when I had the opportunity to work with/for Jim and Sharon in September last year. It was a great experience and a pleasure to have finally seen Cairndhu. My / our sincerest condolences to Sharon.
Randy Omdahl
January 22, 2017
I have had the honor of working for Dr. White at Modular Mining Systems since 1993. He built this now worldwide industry leading company from virtually nothing. This accomplishment is quite remarkable in this day and age. His vision for the future of mine management was truly pioneering. I looked up to his leadership, and have a great amount of respect for his life's work. And for those who knew him, he was a really nice person, a scholar and a gentleman. I will always be grateful for his mentorship.
jim and tery beckman
January 21, 2017
I first met Jim in 1962 at the University of Wisconsin Chemical Engineering Department where he was my instructor for five courses. He taught like he lived with rigger and exactness. He was rough and tough on the outside but was really a gentle giant. We were both at Rohm & Haas (Philadelphia) in 1968 and stayed in touch ever since. In 1973 Jim convinced me to come to the U of A for my PhD so that I could follow my dream as a professor. He wrote reference letters for my first position at California State University-Northridge in 1989 and for my longtime position at Arizona State University in 1999. Without his prodding, insistence and enduring friendship, I would have never left Chevron for the U of A. In 1981 he volunteered his Tucson home for Tery and my wedding. Tery and I had countless good times and adventures throughout the years with Jim and were with him along with Sharon Laird when he passed. Tery and I will miss you, Whitey. We will kindly remember you always for your gracious hospitality and sincere friendship. Jim and Tery Beckman
January 21, 2017
I first met Jim in 1962 at the University of Wisconsin Chemical Engineering Department where he was my instructor for five courses. He taught like he lived with rigger and exactness. He was rough and tough on the outside but was really a gentle giant. We were both at Rohm & Haas (Philadelphia) in 1968 and stayed in touch ever since. In 1973 Jim convinced me to come to the U of A for my PhD so that I could follow my dream as a professor. He wrote reference letters for my first position at California State University-Northridge in 1989 and for my longtime position at Arizona State University in 1999. Without his prodding, insistence and enduring friendship, I would have never left Chevron for the U of A. In 1981 he volunteered his Tucson home for Tery and my wedding. Tery and I had countless good times and adventures throughout the years with Jim and were with him along with Sharon Laird when he passed. Tery and I will miss you, Whitey. We will kindly remember you always for your gracious hospitality and sincere friendship. Jim and Tery Beckman
Miner Mary B. Quinn
January 21, 2017
Writing from Wiesbaden, Germany
Miner Mary B. Quinn
January 21, 2017
Whittie, we will miss you when we return to Tucson. You were such a great neighbor, we lived spending time with you and talking about anything and everything. I know how proud you were of your house and all your achievements. Honored to have known you and so sorry for the loss.
Sharon Shinn
January 20, 2017
He will be missed by his residential family at Starr Pass. He was my client and friend for two decades and he was a remarkable person and vivid character. He was more than an inventor, he was a charming somewhat aggressive personality that had the kindest heart. He was my friend, our friend here and we will certainly miss him and his lively ways.
Chibuya Siame
January 20, 2017
I attribute my long and successful career as a systems engineer to Dr. White. After graduating from college in the spring of 1997, and after several months of receiving rejection letters, he (Modular Mining Inc.) provided me with my first job offer letter in the summer of 1998. I still remember the words he uttered after my interview with him: The job is yours if you accept our offer! I started my career at Modular as a field engineer and was promoted to systems engineer over the course of 2 years. During my first year at Modular, my work permit expired and I benefited from Dr. White's generosity when he supported me while Modular made arrangements to obtain a green card for me. Dr. White always showed a genuine interest in the employees at Modular and I was especially surprised to learn during one of our conversations, that he knew more about the mining industry in Zambia, where I was born and raised, than I did! I still work as a systems engineer today and have lived and worked in Tucson since being hired by Modular. I regret that I did not have the chance to share some of these thoughts with him but I will forever be grateful for the words of wisdom, advice, and opportunities Dr. White afforded me early in my career. Rest in Peace, Dr. White.
January 20, 2017
I knew Jim when he was a Professor at U of A and I was a ChE undergrad in the 1970s, then as a MS student in 1980-81. I even rented one of his houses off campus with another student! Jim had a big impact on my life and my career and I will never forget his support and encouragement. He was an extraordinary person for whom I had the greatest respect and affection. Rest in peace my friend - I will never forget you.
Claire Lubert
January 19, 2017
Jim was a great friend and mentor. There are no words to describe how much he meant to me. I will miss Jim everyday. He's looked out for me for the last 14 years. I will miss his dry wit and honest advice.
Taylor Green
January 19, 2017
Mr. White grew up with my parents in Claymont Delaware since they were little kids and still close friends today. He was a very unique man, and a very kind and caring guy at the same time. I will miss his uniqueness and quick wit. And I will miss the random phone calls to go out to dinner. Rest in Peace Jim.
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