James L. Money Obituary
Date, Source and Author Unknown
1st Lieutenant, USMC, James L. Money: devoted husband, father, son, brother, coworker, mentor and friend, went home to his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on October 19, 2020. Jim died of cancer at the age of 55.
Jim was born in Denver, Colorado to Reva McLain Money and Ronald Kent Money on October 28, 1964. One of his school friends remembers him as a “tough kid. The only one I couldn’t take candy from on Halloween.” Another said he was “kind and honorable.” Tough, kind and honorable: adjectives many would use to describe Jim throughout his life.
Jim applied and was accepted to the Naval Academy where he graduated with the class of ‘87. His good friend Meg nick-named him “Bambo” - Bambi/Rambo; a fitting description of his dichotomous nature. In the fall of his First Class Year (Senior year), Jim met the love of his life and future bride, Haydee “Heidi” Lewis, while serving detention with her roommates. They started dating after - unbeknownst to Heidi - Jim bought an airplane ticket to visit her in Guatemala during Christmas break.
Jim was then commissioned into the Marine Corps as an Infantry Officer. Always the gallant and honorable leader, Lieutenant Money stood up and looked out for the men and women under his command, both in military and civilian life. However, his strong will and bright intellect made it difficult for him to always follow orders. After all, he knew he was always right, but how do you tell your bosses they aren’t? During this time, Jim and Haydee were married at Camp LeJeune, NC where Jim served as platoon commander, deploying to the Mediterranean shortly after their wedding. Upon returning from his 6 month deployment, Jim transferred to Okinawa, Japan where he served out the rest of his military career.
After leaving the Corps, Jim and Heidi headed back to Austin, Texas where Jim’s parents lived. After a short run as floor manager at a mattress factory in Brenham Texas, Jim decided he required a masters in Business Administration to land his dream job. He applied and was accepted into Carnegie Mellon’s School of Business. Two years later, Jim crossed the stage in his cap and gown, holding the first of his beloved gifts from God in his arms, his newborn daughter, Sarah.
Jim’s first job took him to Dallas, Texas where 18 months later his second beloved gift, David, was born. True to his wandering, military nature, Jim then accepted a job in Houston, Texas at AIM. Jim led a small team of programmers who still say, “Not only was he my best boss, but also an exceptional mentor and friend. He helped me grow both professionally and personally. He left his mark on his team. We remain loyal to him even after two decades.”
A few years later, Jim decided to try his hand at trading and on January 1st of 2000 he, Heidi, Sarah and David moved to Austin to be closer to family again. After this, Jim held many different jobs, many not for longer than a year or two, as he struggled to find a place where his intellect and problem-solving skills could best be put to use. He finally accomplished this when he found his niche as a Consultant and Data Engineer for Clarity Insights. As a consultant, Jim thrived. He was well-suited to the analytic nature of his job and finally felt like he belonged among his peers. He soon earned a name for himself within the ranks of Clarity and frequently was requested by managers whenever one of his engagements terminated. Nevertheless, Jim will be remembered for the relationships he formed along the way. His loud jolly laugh, signature ‘Mr. Pringles’ mustache, positive attitude and most of all his home-made venison jerky.
Although Jim’s work was important to him, family was always more important. Jim attended every piano and singing recital, theater production, volleyball tournament and wrestling match. He was never absent from his children’s lives. He cherished his wife and children and always tried to do right by them. Jim’s deep love for family also extended to his many nieces, nephews and cousins. He took the time to meet each of them where they were in life and offered guidance, support, encouragement and pride in each of their lives and activities. Jim will be missed at family game nights. His spades and 42 abilities were unrivaled.
Jim is preceded in death by his father and mother, who met their Lord and Savior earlier this year. His legacy is those he leaves behind: his wife, Haydee Heather Lewis, his daughter, Sarah Dale Money, RN and his son, Petty Officer 3rd Class David James Money of Austin, TX; his sister and brother-in-law, Julia and Alan Jones of Eureka, MO and his nieces and nephews Kaitlyn Jones of Kansas City, KS, Braiden Jones and wife, Jess, of Pevely, MO, Jordan Jones, and fiance Carlee, of Springfield, MO, and Cathryn Jones of Eureka, MO along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Jim was born in Denver, Colorado to Reva McLain Money and Ronald Kent Money on October 28, 1964. One of his school friends remembers him as a “tough kid. The only one I couldn’t take candy from on Halloween.” Another said he was “kind and honorable.” Tough, kind and honorable: adjectives many would use to describe Jim throughout his life.
Jim applied and was accepted to the Naval Academy where he graduated with the class of ‘87. His good friend Meg nick-named him “Bambo” - Bambi/Rambo; a fitting description of his dichotomous nature. In the fall of his First Class Year (Senior year), Jim met the love of his life and future bride, Haydee “Heidi” Lewis, while serving detention with her roommates. They started dating after - unbeknownst to Heidi - Jim bought an airplane ticket to visit her in Guatemala during Christmas break.
Jim was then commissioned into the Marine Corps as an Infantry Officer. Always the gallant and honorable leader, Lieutenant Money stood up and looked out for the men and women under his command, both in military and civilian life. However, his strong will and bright intellect made it difficult for him to always follow orders. After all, he knew he was always right, but how do you tell your bosses they aren’t? During this time, Jim and Haydee were married at Camp LeJeune, NC where Jim served as platoon commander, deploying to the Mediterranean shortly after their wedding. Upon returning from his 6 month deployment, Jim transferred to Okinawa, Japan where he served out the rest of his military career.
After leaving the Corps, Jim and Heidi headed back to Austin, Texas where Jim’s parents lived. After a short run as floor manager at a mattress factory in Brenham Texas, Jim decided he required a masters in Business Administration to land his dream job. He applied and was accepted into Carnegie Mellon’s School of Business. Two years later, Jim crossed the stage in his cap and gown, holding the first of his beloved gifts from God in his arms, his newborn daughter, Sarah.
Jim’s first job took him to Dallas, Texas where 18 months later his second beloved gift, David, was born. True to his wandering, military nature, Jim then accepted a job in Houston, Texas at AIM. Jim led a small team of programmers who still say, “Not only was he my best boss, but also an exceptional mentor and friend. He helped me grow both professionally and personally. He left his mark on his team. We remain loyal to him even after two decades.”
A few years later, Jim decided to try his hand at trading and on January 1st of 2000 he, Heidi, Sarah and David moved to Austin to be closer to family again. After this, Jim held many different jobs, many not for longer than a year or two, as he struggled to find a place where his intellect and problem-solving skills could best be put to use. He finally accomplished this when he found his niche as a Consultant and Data Engineer for Clarity Insights. As a consultant, Jim thrived. He was well-suited to the analytic nature of his job and finally felt like he belonged among his peers. He soon earned a name for himself within the ranks of Clarity and frequently was requested by managers whenever one of his engagements terminated. Nevertheless, Jim will be remembered for the relationships he formed along the way. His loud jolly laugh, signature ‘Mr. Pringles’ mustache, positive attitude and most of all his home-made venison jerky.
Although Jim’s work was important to him, family was always more important. Jim attended every piano and singing recital, theater production, volleyball tournament and wrestling match. He was never absent from his children’s lives. He cherished his wife and children and always tried to do right by them. Jim’s deep love for family also extended to his many nieces, nephews and cousins. He took the time to meet each of them where they were in life and offered guidance, support, encouragement and pride in each of their lives and activities. Jim will be missed at family game nights. His spades and 42 abilities were unrivaled.
Jim is preceded in death by his father and mother, who met their Lord and Savior earlier this year. His legacy is those he leaves behind: his wife, Haydee Heather Lewis, his daughter, Sarah Dale Money, RN and his son, Petty Officer 3rd Class David James Money of Austin, TX; his sister and brother-in-law, Julia and Alan Jones of Eureka, MO and his nieces and nephews Kaitlyn Jones of Kansas City, KS, Braiden Jones and wife, Jess, of Pevely, MO, Jordan Jones, and fiance Carlee, of Springfield, MO, and Cathryn Jones of Eureka, MO along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
