Jimmie George Goodwin

“For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have Eternal life.  For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”  John 3:16-17

Jimmie George Goodwin was born in Lone Oak, Texas May 26, 1928.   He was born the third of seven boys. He was the beloved patriarch of his family, passing away at the age of 97. He was a gentle giant, a shining light, a great example and man marked by generosity.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and his family adored him. 

He met Viola Fitts at a soda shop in Electra, Texas in 1949 where she was working.  They caught each other’s eye.  She not only thought he was very handsome, but was impressed with how one of a kind he was.  He was such a gentleman,  full of integrity, down to earth with a great smile and easy going personality. They married on March 8, 1950.  Their love story spanned the course of 76 years.  Their time together took them to many towns in Texas, Louisiana, California and Las Vegas, Nevada.  He served for two years in the Army which took him to Germany during the Korean War.  After the war ended and he came back to the states, they had three children together—Alan Kyle and Rochelle of Spring, TX; Scott and Diana of Canyon Lake; Vicki and Gene Mercer of Seguin, TX.  They have eight grandchildren; Michael Goodwin of Arlington, TX, Morgan and Matt Kennedy of Arlington, TX, Zach Adams of Canyon Lake, TX; Matt and Hillary Goodwin of Spring TX, Tyler Goodwin and Lucy Nadal of Nairobi, Kenya; Tim and Sydney Goodwin of Sewell, NJ; Taylor Mercer of Seguin, TX; Heath Mercer of Seguin, TX. Jim is survived by two brothers; Doug and Beth Birchfield of Coral Gables, FL and Jerry and Judy Birchfield of East Texas. Jim had 8 great grandchildren—Hayden, Harrison and Hudson Goodwin of Spring, TX; Charlie and Cole Kennedy of Arlington, TX, Oaklee Adams of Buda, TX, Viola and Asher Goodwin of Sewell, NJ. 

After moving to Odessa, TX, Jim worked and retired with Halliburton after 26 years.  He started Odessa Packer Co. and was President of Royal Drilling Co. He continued to work in the oil industry as a petroleum consultant.  He worked for McGruder Oil Co. and Williams Oil Co. until retiring to New Braunfels in May, 2013. 

Jim loved to play golf even recording two hole’s in one during his years of golf. He also was an avid horse racing fan and owner.  He was so proud that two of his horses, Authentic and Seize the Gray, won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness.  He was a lifelong football fan and supported the Odessa Permian Panthers and the Dallas Cowboys. Baseball was a favorite of his and coached little league baseball in the 60’s.  He commented that if he had chosen any profession he would have loved to have been a professional baseball player.  He was a wonderful gardener and enjoyed caring for his nut and fruit trees and grew many vegetables and hot peppers.   

We would like to thank his many wonderful caretakers through Hope Hospice of New Braunfels and Caring Senior Services of New Braunfels.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to:

Crane’s Mill Baptist Church

10215 FM 2673 

Canyon Lake, TX 78133