James M. (Jim) Godbe, Sr. passed away Thursday morning, August 30, 2018.
Jim was born September 18, 1935 in Russellville, Arkansas to William Monroe Godbe and Thelma Loraine Smith Godbe. He spent his childhood in Colorado City and Luling, Texas. After the death of Jim’s father, he, his mother, and his two younger sisters moved to Houston, Texas, so that he could participate in Distributive Education classes and work fulltime while still in high school to help support his family. He graduated from San Jacinto High School in what is now known as Midtown Houston in May of 1954 and married Joy the following Thanksgiving.
Following graduation from high school, Jim & Joy worked to support each other through college at the University of Houston, where Jim earned his Bachelors’ degree in Business & Education, together with a Masters’ degree in Administrative Education. Jim taught Distributive Education classes at Jefferson Davis High School for 8 years before transitioning to higher education to create the Middle Management Department at San Jacinto College Central Campus in Pasadena, Texas.
After dedicating 15 years to public education, Jim followed his dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur by establishing a kitchen and bath design & manufacturing company, which he owned and managed until his retirement. He was a lifetime member of the Pasadena Kiwanis Club International from 1967 until his death. During Jim’s 50+ years of membership in Kiwanis Clubs International, he served his club as President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, city-wide Prayer Breakfast Chairman, as well as the Lieutenant Governor of the Texas-Oklahoma District. Additionally, he served his community for many years as a Board Member of the Salvation Army in Pasadena, Texas.
Jim lived a full life and had many interests. He was an avid fisherman, photographer, researcher, student of the Bible, and spiritual leader who loved to travel with his family and wife. To his grandchildren, Jim was a champion story and joke teller. Through the years, he served his church on various administrative committees, teaching Christian Education classes, and as a deacon. Jim was foremost an encourager and prayer warrior. He loved his Lord, his family, his Christian brothers and sisters, and sharing the saving grace of the gospel of Jesus.
Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joy; his son Steven Godbe & wife Kimberly Swartz of Pasadena, TX; daughter Sherri Godbe Ondrusek of Houston, TX; sister Wilma Godbe Platt & husband Bobby of Grapeland, TX; granddaughters Courtney Godbe Roberts & husband Cody, Christen Godbe Robinson, Melissa Jones, and Ashlin Ondrusek; grandsons Mark Godbe, Michael Godbe, Christopher Godbe and wife Jessica Godbe, Austin Ondrusek, and Lucas Godbe; daughter-in-law Toni Godbe; and numerous greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, & great-nephews. He is preceded in death by his sister Thelma Godbe Bruce and son James M. Godbe, Jr.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate his life at Second Baptist Church, North Campus, 22770 US-59 North, Kingwood, Texas 77339, at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 8, 2018. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, anyone wanting to make a donation please do so to Second Baptist Church, Beach Retreat Scholarships for Kids at 22770 US-59 North, Kingwood, TX 77339.