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JAMES WALDROOP Obituary

WALDROOP, James It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of James "Jim" Waldroop of Brookline, MA, on October 5th, at the age of 74. Born to Rose and Dee Waldroop in Centralia, IL, Jim graduated from Rice University with degrees in psychology and film, and received his doctorate in psychology from the University of Texas, Austin. Jim was devoted to helping others achieve their dreams and improve their futures. In his professional life, he served first as a therapist, then as co-director of career development at Harvard Business School, and finally as co-founder of CareerLeader, which he ran until his passing. A gifted speaker and writer, Jim co-authored two books and numerous articles, and lectured at universities and business schools around the globe. A man of wide-ranging passions, Jim traveled the world, collecting rare fossils, dictionaries, antiques and artifacts, and books on any subject that spoke to him. He particularly loved classic rock and zydeco, mystery films and novels, architecture and infrastructure, and all manner of art, showing talent as a photographer and painter. Jim always wanted to know how things worked, be they human beings or the machines they made. His inquisitive nature and easy command of facts and factoids made him an effortless conversationalist, forging instant connections in every encounter and putting people at ease with his humor and his unmistakably genuine interest in their stories. Jim is survived by Valerie Zimber, his wife of 38 years; and his sons, Max and Daniel Waldroop. For information about a service in his memory, please visit mykeeper.com/JamesWaldroop

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Published by Boston Globe from Oct. 14 to Oct. 15, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

Single Memorial Tree

Nancy Walsh

Planted Trees

Jenna

October 29, 2024

I was tremendously fortunate to grow up around Jim. He was a role model to my brother, a dear friend to my mom, and an amazing dad to Danny and Max-who are both infinitely bright, kind, and most importantly, completely themselves. Jim was the one parent who always treated us kids like adults. He genuinely wanted to know what we thought, how we felt, and what we wanted to do with our lives. Simply, he saw us.

His sardonic humor disarmed you and drew you into life´s little secrets. And once you were in, his genuine interest and support for who we were as human beings-flaws and strengths alike-left you feeling more sure of yourself and empowered after every interaction. That´s something every kid and teenager needs and we were so lucky to have in Jim.

Thank you for everything you did and were to me, and especially to my family, Jim. You will be dearly missed, and I hope you are resting in peace.

Love,
Jenna

Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

Leslie Daniels & Tony Lao

Planted Trees

Tuan

October 15, 2024

Thank you James. Your work is valued by many and and your legacy will live on forever.

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