James Charles Widdoes' Obituary
James Charles Widdoes, age 70, passed away peacefully in Honolulu, Hawaii on May 16, 2018. James (Jim) was born in Springfield, Massachusetts and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. He moved to Honolulu, Hawaii later in life.
He was a 1966 graduate of Brandywine High School and attended West Chester State University before being drafted into the Army in 1968. Jim attended Officers Candidate School graduating in March of 1969, where he was awarded a National Service Medal and a Sharpshooter designation. He later served as a First Lieutenant during the Vietnam War, where he received two Army Commendation Medals including a medal with valor for extraordinary achievement, two Bronze Star Medals including a medal with valor for acts of heroism in combat, and a Purple Heart for a wound he received under hostile combat.
Jim earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Economics from the University of Delaware in 1974 and later earned his Master’s degree in Business Administration in 1978.
He excelled at computer programming and was sought after when tackling extensive, challenging projects. He launched his own computer programming company Analytical Software in the late 1980’s, and served as an independent programmer for various companies, as well as the State of Delaware.
He enjoyed running and biking and excelled at men's gymnastics and wrestling in high school. He spent many memorable boyhood summers with his parents and brothers in the Adirondacks and in Conway, Massachusetts. Later in life, he enjoyed summers in Wildwood, New Jersey with his children. He loved statistics, probability, reading about all things science related, studying the bible, playing the stock market, and learning about health and wellness. He loved 60's music and listening to oldies stations. Jim had a huge spirit, was always quick to joke and smile, and gave to others until his final days.
He is survived by his daughter Alison C. Widdoes of Los Angeles, California and son Kevin J. Widdoes of Henderson, Nevada, and his brothers Rick, Steve, and sister Mary Ann Redman as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Marjorie Sterling Widdoes, and Jay Gordon Widdoes.
Visit http://www.hawaiianmemorialparkmortuary.com/obituaries/ for condolences. In lieu of flowers, please visit https://www.fisherhouse.org to donate in honor of James Widdoes.
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