Go to Post Give a group of engineers the choice of three options, and they'll pick choice number seven. - Taylor [more]
Home
Go Back   Chief Delphi > FIRST > General Forum
CD-Media   CD-Spy  
portal register members calendar search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read FAQ rules

 
Reply
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
  #1   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 28-11-2011, 21:46
rspurlin's Avatar
rspurlin rspurlin is offline
Registered User
AKA: Ray Spurlin
no team (no team)
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Rookie Year: 2003
Location: Norcross, GA
Posts: 69
rspurlin has a spectacular aura aboutrspurlin has a spectacular aura about
In Memorium - Jim Westmoreland

It is with great sadness that I relate the recent death of Jim Westmoreland, an outstanding longtime volunteer of FIRST. Jim was involved in every level of FIRST, but mostly known for his mentoring of teams in Texas and more recently, as Head Ref of the Lonestar and Smoky Mountain regionals. He also refereed the Peachtree regional, Championships and off season events. In fact, if you can volunteer to do it for FIRST, Jim has probably done it. Aviation, robotics and family were Jim's primary passions.

Jim was an engineer for Lockheed Martin and well known within the company as an expert in their plane's electrical systems. He was also a veteran of the Marine Corps.

Jim was killed in an automobile accident Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011. He is survived by his wife Terresa, two grown sons, one grandchild, his parents, a brother and a sister.

All of us in Jim's local FIRST family are deeply saddened by his sudden passing, but Jim's robotics family extended far beyond Georgia. Please add your own remembrances of Jim's unique contributions in this thread.
__________________
Mentor(2007-2013) - Team 1379 - Gear Devils - Norcross, GA
2010 Palmetto regional Semifinalists, Judges Award
2010 Peachtree Regional Quarterfinalists, GM Industrial Design Award
2009 Palmetto Regional Finalists
2008 Bayou Regional Quarterfinalists
2008 Peachtree Regional Semifinalists
2007 Peachtree Regional Quarterfinalists

Georgia FRC Planning Committee
Reply With Quote
  #2   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 28-11-2011, 21:51
Andrew Lawrence
 
Posts: n/a
Re: In Memorium - Jim Westmoreland

RIP Jim. :'(
Reply With Quote
  #3   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 28-11-2011, 21:53
torihoelscher's Avatar
torihoelscher torihoelscher is offline
Wow I feel old
AKA: Princess Leia
no team
Team Role: College Student
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Rookie Year: 2009
Location: Palm Harbor FL
Posts: 191
torihoelscher has a brilliant futuretorihoelscher has a brilliant futuretorihoelscher has a brilliant futuretorihoelscher has a brilliant futuretorihoelscher has a brilliant futuretorihoelscher has a brilliant futuretorihoelscher has a brilliant futuretorihoelscher has a brilliant futuretorihoelscher has a brilliant futuretorihoelscher has a brilliant futuretorihoelscher has a brilliant future
Send a message via AIM to torihoelscher
Re: In Memorium - Jim Westmoreland

:'( Another one lost. RIP Jim :'(
__________________
Tori Hoelscher

FLL
FTC
FRC

"May the [mass x acceleration] be with you"
"Aren't you a little short to be a storm trooper?"

Alumni of Team 79 Krunch.
Reply With Quote
  #4   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 28-11-2011, 22:00
Hallry's Avatar
Hallry Hallry is offline
Dare to be FIRST
AKA: Ryan Hall
FRC #1676 (Pascack Pi-oneers)
Team Role: College Student
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Rookie Year: 2010
Location: Woodcliff Lake NJ *Now in Newark DE
Posts: 2,693
Hallry has a reputation beyond reputeHallry has a reputation beyond reputeHallry has a reputation beyond reputeHallry has a reputation beyond reputeHallry has a reputation beyond reputeHallry has a reputation beyond reputeHallry has a reputation beyond reputeHallry has a reputation beyond reputeHallry has a reputation beyond reputeHallry has a reputation beyond reputeHallry has a reputation beyond repute
Re: In Memorium - Jim Westmoreland

On behalf of Team 1676, we all send our most sincere condolences and respects to all of Jim's family and friends. Please let us know if there is any way at all that we can help. While I did not know him personally, I'm sure our mentors did, and we are very grateful for all he did to help support FIRST and its community. We hope Jim rests in peace.
__________________
[2009-2013]: Team 1676 Student, Co-CEO, Carpentry Lead
[2013-Present]: Team 1676 Alumnus/College Mentor

Won: 2010 New Jersey Regional, 2010 Virginia Regional (undefeated), 2011 New Jersey Regional, 2011 Virginia Regional, 2011 Brunswick Eruption, 2012 Rutgers MAR District, 2012 girlPOWER, 2012 Ramp Riot, 2013 Bridgewater-Raritan MAR District, 2014 girlPOWER, 2015 Bridgewater-Raritan MAR District, 2016 Mt. Olive MAR District, 2016 Bridgewater-Raritan MAR District
2016 Season Recap Video: http://tinyurl.com/1676-2016
Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube
Reply With Quote
  #5   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 28-11-2011, 22:07
Matthew Blake's Avatar
Matthew Blake Matthew Blake is offline
Registered User
FRC #3481 (Bronc Botz)
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Rookie Year: 2009
Location: Helotes, Texas
Posts: 43
Matthew Blake is an unknown quantity at this point
Re: In Memorium - Jim Westmoreland

From team 3481, we send our deepest regards to Jim's friends and family. We thank him for his outstanding commitment to robotics and we are deeply saddened by his loss.

May Jim rest in peace.
__________________
FTC Team 4008: 2009-2012
FTC Team 4602: 2010-2012
FRC Team 3481: 2010-2012
Reply With Quote
  #6   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 28-11-2011, 22:36
msimon785 msimon785 is offline
Fusing Function with Form
AKA: Mathew Simon
FRC #0973 (Greybots)
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Rookie Year: 2008
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 251
msimon785 has a brilliant futuremsimon785 has a brilliant futuremsimon785 has a brilliant futuremsimon785 has a brilliant futuremsimon785 has a brilliant futuremsimon785 has a brilliant futuremsimon785 has a brilliant futuremsimon785 has a brilliant futuremsimon785 has a brilliant futuremsimon785 has a brilliant futuremsimon785 has a brilliant future
Re: In Memorium - Jim Westmoreland

On behalf of all of team 1515, I extend my deepest condolences to all of Jim's family and friends in addition to all those in the FIRST community who had the privilege of knowing him.
__________________

Mathew Simon
CAD/Design
[2013-20xx]: 973 "Greybots"
[2011-2013]: 1515 "MorTorq"
[2008-2010]: 1836 "MilkenKnights"

Reply With Quote
  #7   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 28-11-2011, 23:23
Andrew Schuetze's Avatar
Andrew Schuetze Andrew Schuetze is offline
499 Founder / Alamo FTC & FLL AP
no team
Team Role: Leadership
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Rookie Year: 2001
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 689
Andrew Schuetze has a reputation beyond reputeAndrew Schuetze has a reputation beyond reputeAndrew Schuetze has a reputation beyond reputeAndrew Schuetze has a reputation beyond reputeAndrew Schuetze has a reputation beyond reputeAndrew Schuetze has a reputation beyond reputeAndrew Schuetze has a reputation beyond reputeAndrew Schuetze has a reputation beyond reputeAndrew Schuetze has a reputation beyond reputeAndrew Schuetze has a reputation beyond reputeAndrew Schuetze has a reputation beyond repute
Re: In Memorium - Jim Westmoreland

He lead a stellar referee crew year after year @ Lone Star and one always knew the calls would be fair and delivered with an honest smile.

The good ones are always missed by many in many places. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

APS
__________________
APS

Founder FRC 499
Parent alumni FRC 2745 & 4219
Co-Coach FTC 4549 & 6407
Alamo FTC Affiliate Partner
Alamo FLL Affiliate Partner
Reply With Quote
  #8   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 29-11-2011, 07:46
GaryVoshol's Avatar
GaryVoshol GaryVoshol is offline
Cogito ergo arbitro
no team
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Rookie Year: 2000
Location: Royal Oak, MI
Posts: 5,757
GaryVoshol has a reputation beyond reputeGaryVoshol has a reputation beyond reputeGaryVoshol has a reputation beyond reputeGaryVoshol has a reputation beyond reputeGaryVoshol has a reputation beyond reputeGaryVoshol has a reputation beyond reputeGaryVoshol has a reputation beyond reputeGaryVoshol has a reputation beyond reputeGaryVoshol has a reputation beyond reputeGaryVoshol has a reputation beyond reputeGaryVoshol has a reputation beyond repute
Re: In Memorium - Jim Westmoreland

Another great FIRST volunteer that I didn't get the chance to meet until it was too late. My condolences to Jim's family and friends.
__________________
(since 2004)
Reply With Quote
  #9   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 29-11-2011, 07:54
Unsung FIRST Hero
Al Skierkiewicz Al Skierkiewicz is offline
Broadcast Eng/Chief Robot Inspector
AKA: Big Al WFFA 2005
FRC #0111 (WildStang)
Team Role: Engineer
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Rookie Year: 1996
Location: Wheeling, IL
Posts: 10,798
Al Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond reputeAl Skierkiewicz has a reputation beyond repute
Re: In Memorium - Jim Westmoreland

Please pass along our wishes to his friends and family. Jim was a great guy and will be sorely missed. He was one of those mentors that the rest of us hope to be.
Al
__________________
Good Luck All. Learn something new, everyday!
Al
WB9UVJ
www.wildstang.org
________________________
Storming the Tower since 1996.
Reply With Quote
  #10   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 29-11-2011, 09:04
ttldomination's Avatar
ttldomination ttldomination is offline
Sunny
no team
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Rookie Year: 2007
Location: Roanoke, TX
Posts: 2,066
ttldomination has a reputation beyond reputettldomination has a reputation beyond reputettldomination has a reputation beyond reputettldomination has a reputation beyond reputettldomination has a reputation beyond reputettldomination has a reputation beyond reputettldomination has a reputation beyond reputettldomination has a reputation beyond reputettldomination has a reputation beyond reputettldomination has a reputation beyond reputettldomination has a reputation beyond repute
Re: In Memorium - Jim Westmoreland

Does anyone have a picture? I'm trying to put a face to the name.

Regardless, his death hits close to our region and even closer to our hearts.

Team 1261 and I wish his family well.

- Sunny G.
__________________
1261: 2007-2012
1648: 2013-2014
5283: 2015
Reply With Quote
  #11   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 29-11-2011, 12:44
James Tonthat James Tonthat is offline
Registered User
FRC #0148 (Robowranglers)
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Rookie Year: 2008
Location: Greenville, TX
Posts: 303
James Tonthat has a reputation beyond reputeJames Tonthat has a reputation beyond reputeJames Tonthat has a reputation beyond reputeJames Tonthat has a reputation beyond reputeJames Tonthat has a reputation beyond reputeJames Tonthat has a reputation beyond reputeJames Tonthat has a reputation beyond reputeJames Tonthat has a reputation beyond reputeJames Tonthat has a reputation beyond reputeJames Tonthat has a reputation beyond reputeJames Tonthat has a reputation beyond repute
Re: In Memorium - Jim Westmoreland

I've only met Jim a couple times, but I can tell he was one of the nicest FIRST volunteers that I've ever met. I remember us having some trouble during practice day getting our robot to connect to the field, the field crew is trying to get matches going, and Jim comes over with a calm but cheerful look on his face and tells us to take our time and was very patient with us sorting out our issues. You can tell that he genuinely cared. He will be missed.

On behalf of Team 1477, we send our condolences to Jim's family and friends.
__________________
James Tonthat

Mechanical Engineer, RackSolutions

Texas Torque - 2009-2014
Robowranglers - 2015-
Reply With Quote
  #12   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 29-11-2011, 16:57
JaneYoung JaneYoung is offline
Onward through the fog.
no team
Team Role: Alumni
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Rookie Year: 2002
Location: Austin, TX USA
Posts: 5,996
JaneYoung has a reputation beyond reputeJaneYoung has a reputation beyond reputeJaneYoung has a reputation beyond reputeJaneYoung has a reputation beyond reputeJaneYoung has a reputation beyond reputeJaneYoung has a reputation beyond reputeJaneYoung has a reputation beyond reputeJaneYoung has a reputation beyond reputeJaneYoung has a reputation beyond reputeJaneYoung has a reputation beyond reputeJaneYoung has a reputation beyond repute
Re: In Memorium - Jim Westmoreland

I am deeply deeply saddened by this news. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jim's family and I share my sadness with the family and with Jim's many friends and colleagues as we try to comprehend this loss.

One of the greatest lessons that I learned from Jim Westmoreland was the gift of patience. He taught patience by being patient. Watching him work with teams on the field during the heat of competition was something that I will never forget. His work with teams, and how he dealt with students and mentors, was a very important key to unlocking the door that revealed the bigger picture of FRC to me. I have always viewed him as a wonderful role model for all of us and I will miss that. I guess I took that for granted, thinking he would be with us for many years to come - sharing his gracious smile and teaching us in his quiet way.

It has been several years but I am really glad that I took the time to find Mr. Westmoreland at one of the Championships hosted in Atlanta, Georgia. It was one of those seasons that had created opportunities for high emotions on the field and the captain of our drive team had waited patiently in the question box for Mr. Westmoreland to come talk with him about a play in one of the matches. They discussed the play and the student commented later about the respect that he was shown by the head ref, even though he still felt very strongly about his views regarding the play. I wanted to take a moment to thank Mr. Westmoreland for teaching patience and for role modeling respect and grace for the students on our drive team that year at Lone Star Regional. I had the opportunity at the Championship and, although I was very shy in doing so, I took it. He remembered that exchange in the question box and in doing so, I couldn't help but think that Jim remembered every exchange that he ever had in a question box. It gave me a sense of well-being and trust.

It's going to take a while to absorb this news.. we've lost someone really special.

Jane

P.S. I looked in the photo section of the Lone Star Regional website and found a couple of photos of Jim in the 2009 volunteer album. This is one of the photos. Here's another very special moment shared with our Lone Star Regional Director, Lucia Sevcik. This was 2007.
__________________
Excellence is contagious. ~ Andy Baker, President, AndyMark, Inc. and Woodie Flowers Award 2003

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
~ Helen Keller
(1880-1968)

Last edited by JaneYoung : 29-11-2011 at 18:46. Reason: Photo
Reply With Quote
  #13   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 29-11-2011, 19:40
Molten's Avatar
Molten Molten is offline
Registered User
AKA: Jason
FRC #1766 (Temper Metal)
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Rookie Year: 2006
Location: Indiana
Posts: 2,289
Molten has a reputation beyond reputeMolten has a reputation beyond reputeMolten has a reputation beyond reputeMolten has a reputation beyond reputeMolten has a reputation beyond reputeMolten has a reputation beyond reputeMolten has a reputation beyond reputeMolten has a reputation beyond reputeMolten has a reputation beyond reputeMolten has a reputation beyond reputeMolten has a reputation beyond repute
Re: In Memorium - Jim Westmoreland

Quote:
Originally Posted by GaryVoshol View Post
Another great FIRST volunteer that I didn't get the chance to meet until it was too late. My condolences to Jim's family and friends.
I feel this way every time I read one of these threads. We've lost many great role models this year and Jim is certainly one of them.

Jason
__________________
"Curiosity. Not good for cats, great for scientists."- Numb3rs

"They can break your cookie, but... you'll always have your fortune."-T.W. Turtle, Cats Don't Dance

"Tell my tale to those who ask. Tell it truly - the ill deeds along with the good, and let me be judged accordingly. The rest... is silence."-Dinobot, Beast Wars

"Though the first step is the hardest and the last step ends the quest, the long steps in between are certainly the best."
–Gruffi Gummi, Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears
Reply With Quote
  #14   Spotlight this post!  
Unread 29-11-2011, 23:57
ttldomination's Avatar
ttldomination ttldomination is offline
Sunny
no team
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Rookie Year: 2007
Location: Roanoke, TX
Posts: 2,066
ttldomination has a reputation beyond reputettldomination has a reputation beyond reputettldomination has a reputation beyond reputettldomination has a reputation beyond reputettldomination has a reputation beyond reputettldomination has a reputation beyond reputettldomination has a reputation beyond reputettldomination has a reputation beyond reputettldomination has a reputation beyond reputettldomination has a reputation beyond reputettldomination has a reputation beyond repute
Re: In Memorium - Jim Westmoreland

Quote:
Originally Posted by James Tonthat View Post
I've only met Jim a couple times, but I can tell he was one of the nicest FIRST volunteers that I've ever met.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JaneYoung View Post
P.S. I looked in the photo section of the Lone Star Regional website and found a couple of photos of Jim in the 2009 volunteer album. This is one of the photos. Here's another very special moment shared with our Lone Star Regional Director, Lucia Sevcik. This was 2007.
Oh man, finally putting a name to the face. And I fully concur with James. I remember when the competition would be heating up and I'd go to put the robot down, Mr. Westmoreland would be there with a smile and he'd share the occasional uplifting comment.

Really a sad day.

- Sunny G.
__________________
1261: 2007-2012
1648: 2013-2014
5283: 2015
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:12.

The Chief Delphi Forums are sponsored by Innovation First International, Inc.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2017, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © Chief Delphi