James Wiseman – continued…
His passions were many… writing, sailing, dancing, travelling and photography. He was a rebel, a philosopher, and an adventurer; he was instrumental in influencing my life. He was an incredible soul and we will all miss him dearly. He instilled in me his values of honor, compassion, integrity and humor. He loved all types of music and poetry, referring to himself as a hopeless romantic.
My dad received 8 medals in ballroom dancing and he was my dance partner many a time. Whether enjoying cocktails in exotic locations or discussions on spirituality, philosophy and history, we always had fun. He authored 6 books including a family history book which I will cherish.
He lived a full and fascinating life that took us all over the world. As a young man growing up in Kingston Upon Thames just outside London, he always had eyes on the horizon. He grew up during WWII, which definitely impacted his decision to live life to the fullest.
He met and married Patricia Mary Cullen whom he met one weekend while riding in his motorcycle club.. My dad applied for and was awarded the prestigious George VI Memorial Fellowship (US equivalent = Rhodes Scholar) and received the opportunity to study in America and received degrees from both Columbia and Harvard Universities.
My dad explored the world and even saw the King Tut exhibit while it was still in the tomb, crossed the Sahara desert, drove a car from England to Iran and sailed up the Nile.
Ready for more adventures, my mum and dad headed off to Iran, Ghana, Nigeria, Boston MA, Vancouver BC, Sydney NSW, Canberra ACT and finally Lafayette CA near San Francisco.
Continuing his love of new things and adventure he had a varied career. His career spanned being an apprentice draftsman to a UN representative in Africa, Entrepreneur in Canada and America, CEO of an Airline in Australia, Silicone Valley Director, USPS Regional Manager to Author in America. He was Chief of Mission for Africa and set up a management school in Ghana that is still there today. He believed in encouraging people to be their best.
He made a pivital choice while working for the UN – send his children to boarding school and rise up the ladder in his career or leave a job he loved so he could be part of his children’s lives; he chose his family. As much as work drew him away, it was his family that he treasured. His five children were all born in different countries and family was important to him and filled his heart with joy. We will dearly miss his incredible wisdom and support as he was an active part of the lives of his children, spouses and 8 grandchildren.
My dad was a visionary and what he called “early adapter” Always expanding his skillset and learning new things. He loved archery, film making, and English lawn bowling. He was one the the first people to have a home computer (TRS-80) and taught himself basic programming.My father loved the sea and outdoors. Because of this, we were fortunate enough to grow up with all kinds of boats to enjoy while creating magical memories camping. He achieved a life long dream of owning a 32’ sailboat, on which we spent most weekends exploring the Bay. He adventured on cruises all across the globe, several of which I was able to accompany him. As my fellow traveler on this earth, we had many adventures.
Dad never stopped traveling having just completed trips to the Southern California Coast and Lake Tahoe in the past few months.
He is now joining his beautiful wife.
“Not all who wander are not lost.” – JRR Tolkien
Outward Bound James Dennis Wiseman, you are deeply loved and we will miss your wit and wisdom…..till we meet again In sha’Allah
