James Tweeddale's Obituary
James Walter Tweeddale, Sr., 76, of Altoona, passed away peacefully at home on June 22, 2014 with his family by his side. Jim was born on November 29, 1937 in Bellerose, New York as the fifth child of Percy and Mabel (Reinhard) Tweeddale. He received both his BS and MEng from the University of Florida. He earned his PhD from the University of Southern California and was a postdoctoral NISM fellow at Harvard University.
Jim worked in his early career as a metallurgical engineer; he holds a number of patents, three of which were used in the NASA Space Shuttle program. His later work involved industrial management at major Naval bases including Jacksonville, Florida and Cherry Point, North Carolina. He also served in Navy headquarters commands (Washington DC) and in the Navy Secretariat. He was the Director of the Navy Personnel Research and Development Center in San Diego, California, and then was the Director of Naval Education and Training headquartered in Pensacola, Florida where he retired. Citations include the Navy Meritorious Service Award granted by President Ronald Reagan and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. He was a member of the Federal Senior Executive Service. He also held the rank of Black Belt in Tang Soo Do and was inducted in the International Black Belt Hall of Fame.
In retirement he loved to study the Bible, to travel, and to spend time with friends and family. He was an active member of New Hope Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Eustis, FL.
He is survived by his beloved wife Norma who he married on October 31, 1964; son James, Jr “Jimmy” (Wenona) of Fredericksburg, Virginia; daughter Karen (Earl Harvey) of Palm Coast, Florida; daughter Catherine “Cathy” (Tom Tate) of Crystal River, Florida; son John (Angela) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Grandchildren are James (Candice), Joseph, Trey, Emilie (Andy), Richard, Savannah, Sarah, Amelia, Knox, Evelyn, and great-grandson Henry James. His sister Evelyn Shipman (Paul) of Canton, Georgia; his twin sister Jane Adams of Yorktown, VA; and his sister-in-law Carol Tweeddale of Melbourne, Florida. He also has numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marilyn Brennan, brother William “Bill”, and brothers-in-law Joseph “Joe” Brennan and Richard “Dick” Adams.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2014 from 5-7pm at Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Directors, Eustis, FL and a Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2014 at 2pm in the Clubhouse at Lakeview Terrace, Altoona, FL. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Rafiki Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1988, Eustis, FL 32727
To paraphrase a famous preacher, “Take courage as you read this obituary. Look to Jesus the author and finisher of your faith.”
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