James “Jim” Frederick Wortman, 74, of League City passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2014. Jim was born on March 7, 1940 in New York City as the only child of the late Frederick and Mary Wortman. Jim graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Manhattan College in New York City and a Master’s degree in Education from Temple University in Philadelphia.
Jim was a true family man who knew the importance of education. He encouraged and supported all of his children to achieve their educational goals. This support was apparent in his children achieving success in the banking, accounting, hospitality and biology industries.
When he wasn’t working, Jim loved to travel. Jim’s expertise in the casino gaming industry provided him the opportunity to travel to four continents. Jim’s favorite travel destination was Germany where his mother was born. His second favorite location was France. For ten years, Jim escorted students from the University of Houston, to France to experience the culture and study the casino and hospitality industry in Europe.
Jim served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force between 1962 and 1964. After leaving the service he took a position with the Vinland, NJ YMCA as their athletic director. During the mid-1970’s he moved into the field of education as a faculty member and then the Athletic Director at Atlantic Community College in Mays Landing, NJ. This was the beginning of a long career in higher education. In the 1980’s the casino industry came to Atlantic City where Jim took a job as a dealer and quickly moved up to the position of Casino Administrator at several casinos. Jim was asked to return to Atlantic Community College as the Director of the Casino Career Institute. The years spent in the casino industry made him a valuable addition to the Conrad Hilton College where he spent the last eighteen years of his career teaching casino gaming and hospitality.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Janet Wortman of League City, and five children; Steven Wortman and fiancé Cheryl Gmuer of Dover DE; Kim Brownell and husband David of Deptford, NJ; Jennifer McDermott and husband Garrison of Ocean City, NJ; Christine Garland and husband Mark of Egg Harbor Township, NJ; and Joy Tucci and husband Paul of Galloway, NJ. He is also survived by five grandchildren; Blake and Zachary Bickford of Temecula, CA; Christian McDermott of Ocean City, NJ; and Johnathan and Matthew Garland of Egg Harbor Township, NJ.
A viewing will be held at Forest Part East Funeral Home in Webster, TX between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 followed by a graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to the Conrad Hilton College at the University of Houston.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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