James Waldroop

It is with great sadness that 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