Jim & Beth Judson

Yesterday, the couple was en route to DeKalb Peachtree Airport in Atlanta in their own Beechcraft Bonanza airplane following an extended family weekend. After departing Olive Branch, Miss., the aircraft unexpectedly lost contact with FAA radar at 9:55 am CDT. At this time, the NTSB is investigating the cause of the crash, and as more information becomes available, the couple’s family will make a further statement. Jim, an experienced, instrument-rated (IFR) pilot, was flying the plane, for which he continued to take lessons to keep his skills sharp.

Says Rob Judson, brother, “The Judson family would like to thank our friends for all their kind thoughts and prayers as we try to understand this tragedy and loss. Jim and Beth were loving family members who both gave freely of their time, talents and treasure to many in our community. They will be greatly missed.”

Dr. Elizabeth Ann “Beth” Judson was born in New York. She earned a B.S. degree in ceramic science and a B.A. degree in mathematics magna cum laude from Alfred University, where at the time of her death she served on its Board of Trustees. Beth spent the last 30 years making her home in Roswell. She stayed home with her two children during their formative years, although she did return to school at Georgia Institute of Technology, earning MS and PhD degrees in ceramic engineering. Beth was a consultant to the University-Industry Demonstration Partnership of the National Academies and had been a general manager of a ceramic armor start-up company associated with Georgia Tech. Beth had 10 years’ industrial experience with Alcoa and several small ceramic businesses in the Atlanta area. She also was a board member of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). In this capacity, she was part of a team that traveled to many universities to review engineering departments for continuing accreditation.

Beth’s personal interests in her church and higher education led her to participate in the founding of Southern Catholic College, where she also was a trustee. She enjoyed snow skiing and golf, as well as entertaining in the family home, where she was a gourmet cook. Beth also sang in her church choir and served as executive director for the Georgia Regional Girls Choir for several years.

Jim Judson, Jr. was also born in New York. He received a political science degree from Wake Forest University and following graduation, made his home in the Roswell area. Jim’s career took him to several high technology firms. In 1988, along with two friends, he co-founded software company Witness Systems, Inc. Jim, his management team and employees grew the organization and its technology set, creating one of the premier call center vendors in the market. In 1998, he was recognized by Call Center Magazine with its prestigious “Call Center Pioneer Award”—a distinction that profiled him as an industry leader and influential figure in helping shape the fast-paced, evolving industry. He retired from the company shortly after its IPO in 2000, going on to work at other technology start-ups and sit on various boards, including his latest board position at CreditHawk LLC, a legal software service provider in Atlanta.

At the time of his death, Jim was a member of the Board of Trustees at Wake Forest University. He first served on the university board from 2004 – 2008, and also held prior positions on its Alumni Council and Deacon Club Board of Directors.

Jim was able to be a “stay at home dad” during his children’s high school years at Blessed Trinity, and during that time served on many committees, including assisting coaches with their programs. Jim was passionate about his church, St. Brigid Catholic Church in Johns Creek, GA, serving on various archdiocese and other committees that included major gift fundraising and strategic planning. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus, 4th degree. Jim was a vintage car enthusiast, and an avid golfer and snow skier.

The Judson’s are survived by a son and daughter; Beth’s mother, Jim’s father, Beth’s four brothers, and Jim’s two sisters and one brother.

Adds Rob Judson, “Jim and Beth’s greatest joys were being with their children, and spending time with their families and friends.”

The Vigil and Visitation Service will be held Sunday, October 31, 2010 at 7:00 pm at St. Brigid Catholic Church. The Funeral Mass will be the following day, Monday, November 1 at 12:00 pm at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 3400 Old Alabama Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30022 (www.saintbrigid.org), followed by a reception at Country Club of Roswell, 2500 Club Springs Drive, Roswell, GA 30076 (www.ccroswell.com). At the family’s request, memorial donations can be made, in lieu of flowers, to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Brigid Catholic Church, which Jim and Beth strongly supported and embraced.