James Chester "Jim" Woeber

AIKEN, SC - James Chester Woeber joined our Father in Heaven on March 29, 2023 at age 79, following the loss of his beloved wife Kim of 30 years and his sweet canine companion, Kallie.  

Jim was the son of Harold William Woeber, Jr. and Rhoda Mildred Johnson.  Born in Fort Collins, Colorado on September 18, 1943, he was blessed with wonderful parents, three close siblings, lifelong friends, a solid spiritual foundation, and a rich childhood in the foothills of the Rockies. 

Jim touched the lives of many with his warm heart, generosity, broad smile, contagious laughter, sense of humor and adventurous spirit.  He was a loved and respected figure in all areas of his life, demonstrating kindness, personal integrity, authenticity, a strong work ethic, and a dedication to others.  His industriousness was fostered by his father at a young age, and Jim gained a plethora of various work experiences that set the stage for his future professional success.  Growing up, Jim was also a phenomenal athlete, accomplished in track, basketball, football, waterskiing and golf. 

He attended Colorado State University and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering/Construction Management as he worked his way through school, managing his Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity home and other jobs.  In addition to his hard-earned degree, he also attained the apropos nickname, “Jolly Jim.”   

He enjoyed a rich and successful 37-year career first with Dupont and then Westinghouse, during which he received numerous recognitions for his outstanding performance.  His work assignments blessed both him and his family with vibrant overseas living and international travels.  Jim lived in many locations, including Colorado, Texas, New York, Japan, the Philippines, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Florida, Spain and North Carolina.                

Jim’s many accomplishments included being the youngest manager in the Westinghouse nuclear division at age 30.  Jim shared in his father’s love for woodworking and home construction and designed and built four of his homes, including his dream mountain cabin overlooking the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The Woeber cabin expressed Jim’s altruism and love of nature, serving as a retreat and sanctuary for numerous church and family gatherings, and providing treasured memories for many.  Jim was also an active volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.   

Perhaps his greatest accomplishments were those unseen by most, in his generosity and charity to all he encountered—a man who truly walked the humble, loving path of God.  Jim devoted himself to being the most amazing father, husband, brother, and friend that he could be.  In Jim’s own words, his major life blessings were his strong faith, loving wife, three wonderful kids, terrific family, loyal friends and loving dog. 

Jim met the mother of his three children, Kathleen Tomson Newton, in Fort Collins while attending Colorado State University, and they married on September 10, 1965 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.  They were married for 21 years and savored an adventurous life overseas before returning to the United States.  Jim and Kathleen officially parted ways in 1986.  

Jim then met his wife, Kimberly Lynette Wood, in a Pittsburgh church in 1987 and they were married on April 31, 1989.  They enjoyed a rich spiritual life through participation in activities such as Young Life, Cursillo, Alpha, Home Discipleship Group, and the loving community of St. Augustine of Canterbury.   

Jim is survived by his three loving children, Teena, James and Lisa, his brother Donald Harold Woeber, and his sister Carol Susan Berry.  His older sister, Sharon Lynn Anderson, passed on three months ago to receive God’s peace and comfort. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 11th at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, located at 1630 Silver Bluff Rd, Aiken.  A Celebration of Jim’s Life will follow from 12:30-3:30 pm at the Woodside Country Club.  Jim will be interred in a private ceremony. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dr. Kimberly Wood Woeber Scholarship Fund at USCA or the St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church. 

The family would like to thank all those who have provided care and support to Jim during his challenges and his wife Kim’s illness, including friends from near and afar.  

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801