Jim White

James Silas White III, 59, of Point Venture, TX, passed away at home on April 11, surrounded by family, after battling prostate cancer for more than eight years. Jim was born on June 9, 1959, in Baltimore, Md., to Anna Lea Strauss and James S. White Jr. As a child, Jim enjoyed playing and watching basketball and baseball, especially his beloved Orioles. As a young person, Jim had many close friends and was extremely social. In 1977, at age 18, Jim entered the Marine Corps at Cherry Point, N.C., serving domestically and traveling the world until 1981. It was around this time period when he also married his high school sweetheart, Donna Malinowski. Donna and Jim married on May 28, 1978, in Baltimore, and for more than 40 years built a life together based on faith, family (a big one!), travel, loyal friends, and many shared interests. Their primary focus for most of those years were their children: Christina, Jason, Carolina, and James. Even with their hands full with four kids, Jim always made sure he and Donna carved out time to nurture their relationship, whether it was exploring new restaurants or setting off to one of their favorite resorts around North America. No plate of seafood was safe around Jim, and good luck to anyone attempting to stand between him and a bushel of Maryland blue crabs. Music followed Jim everywhere, and he could often be found rocking out to to classic rock or oldies, dancing and singing along with Donna or one of the kids. His karaoke favorites included Elvis, Bobby Darin, and Santana. One evening, he even broke into "Rocky Top" for a future son-in-law whose parents lived in Tennessee. Carrying with him just a high school education, Jim applied lessons learned in the Marine Corps and from his library of self-improvement books to build a remarkably successful career in financial services. Starting as an assistant branch manager trainee at Household Finance in Annapolis, Md., Jim worked his way up to management and executive positions in Maryland, Illinois, Florida, and Texas. Jim developed a reputation as a smart and nurturing manager and professional. Jim both helped existing companies develop innovative financial solutions to serve their customers and founded two companies of his own, Retail Credit Solutions and Vyze. He was a true leader in his field, and a pioneer in many ways. Former colleagues share that in navigating tough decisions in sales, management, and family life, they allow one question to guide them: "What would Jim White do?" As much as Jim enjoyed his life's work, he was equally fond of his down time, which he spent golfing, playing basketball and shooting pool, reading, playing card games with Donna and the kids, going out dancing, and relaxing with friends and family on beaches and by pools all around the world. In everything Jim did, he put others above himself, and when you were with him, you were his priority. He wore his optimism on his sleeve, and Jim's ability to inject positivity and humor into even the most negative situations inspired everyone around him. This was especially true following his cancer diagnosis. Jim's inner strength of purpose, character, and selflessness was evident even into his time in hospice care, when he continually expressed concern for others' comfort and well-being and celebrated successes of his children, despite his own discomfort and immobility. In his final weeks, Jim ordered cocktails, joked around with his nurses, and talked trash about sports. One day, he even faked his death for a nurse, opening his eyes with a chuckle a minute later. Faith in God was central and strong in Jim's adult life, a value he passed on to his four children-all of whom are people of deep faith today. In his final days, the phrase he uttered most often reflected his own faith in what was to come: "I'm looking forward to Heaven so much." Recently, Jim shared with family members the principles that carried him through an extraordinary life-lessons he put into practice every day. "No regrets," he said through a faltering voice. "Every choice we make has consequences, good and bad. Live life, and put family first." Jim White is survived by his wife, Donna, whom he served and adored; four beloved children, Chrissy, Jason, Carolina, and James; grandchildren Christian and Sage, of whom he was so proud; and loving siblings Frank, Rob, and Jackie. Jim has requested that friends and family gather in Point Venture for a joyous Celebration of Life, and that donations be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation in lieu of flowers, food, or gifts. (click the donate button on the home page) The event celebrating a life well lived is planned for Thursday, April 18, with invitation details here on the GatheringUs event tab on the home page. Please leave memories, condolences, and photos in the section labeled "Memories & Condolences" rather than in the Facebook comments section on the home page below. Thank you for being part of his full and memorable life.