Dr. W. James "Jim" Giddis, age 88 died peacefully on January 21, 2016, in Park City, UT. He was born on August 28th 1927 in Grand Rapids, MI. Immediately following High School graduation, he joined the Coast Guard and served in the Navy during World War II. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Education after which he worked as a teacher, coach and principal. He later received his Doctoral degree from Michigan State University in Educational Administration, and then went on to be a college professor and academic administrator at Oakland State University, Miami University, Hope College, University of West Florida, and finished his professional career at Florida State University as a Professor Emeritus at the Panama City Campus.
Dr. Giddis was a dedicated man who was deeply involved in Education and loved working with future teachers and principals for public schools. After retiring from Florida State University in 1993, he moved to Alexandria, VA to join his wife who was a professor at George Washington University. In retirement, he worked and taught adult Sunday school at Fairlington United Methodist Church for 15 years. He enjoyed being part of their Christian education program. He also loved growing roses and spending time with his two Miniature Dachshunds, Gigi, and Gorgi. His family and friends will always remember him as a thoughtful and deeply religious person.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Pat Schwallie-Giddis of Park City, UT and Tallahassee, FL; his brother Joe Giddis (Phoenix, AZ) and sister Grace Cooper (Prescott, AZ); his sons, Kevin Giddis (Sareh) (Memphis TN), Randal Schwallie (Park City, UT); his daughters, Rayanne Giddis Rittgers (Rob) (Gainsville, FL), Rene¥ Schwallie McCoy (Mac) (Tallahassee, FL); his granddaughters Ariel and Emma Schwallie (Park City, UT), Caroline Giddis (Tuscaloosa, AL), Morgan Sapp (Orlando, FL), and Kimberly Collins (Shane) (Lake Butler, FL); and great grandchildren Cadence, Cuyler, and Callen Collins (Lake Butler, FL). He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Sara Giddis, of Grand Rapids, MI; his sisters, Tilda Vollmer (Chicago, IL) and Barbara Giddis (Prescott, AZ).
A celebration of his life is scheduled for February 3rd 2016 at 1 PM Central Standard Time at Kent-Forrest Lawn Funeral Home, 2403 Harrison Avenue Panama City, FL 32405. Family will receive friends there one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery on Highway 231, with a 3:30 PM reception at Ocean Towers Beach Club 11211 Front Beach Road Panama City Beach, FL 32407. Rev. Julie Keene will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim's life. The family would like to thank the staff at the Beehive Assisted Living facility in Park City, Utah, and the Encompass Hospice organization for their loving care during his recent illness. Flowers can be sent to Kent Forrest Lawn Memorial Gardens and donations can be sent to Saint Jude's Children\s Hospital Memphis, TN in his honor.
