Rockwall, TX (February 16, 2026) – Two teenagers attending different high schools in adjoining cities have a chance meeting on Miami beach. It is sunset, just one week before the school year began, they met, exchanged names and said a quick farewell.
Fate had a hand in their romance. School districts were re-drawn and suddenly Jim began attending the same school as Jo Ann. They dated off and on those early days, only becoming more serious in early 1958. At that time, Jim experienced a life-threatening illness placing him in a coma and Jo Ann’s devotion intervened. Jo Ann raced to see him, grabbed his hand and said his name… and Jim woke up!
Their bond was sealed.
Jim and Jo Ann Goddard were married in 1959, one year after she finished school. Jim had entered the Air Force the year prior, and Jo Ann began her career with the electric company.
Life and an Air Force career took the couple in many directions – especially across the globe! They shared the experiences of living in numerous locations: Florida, Texas, Tennessee, New Mexico, Illinois, Alaska and even Scotland! But, as the end of his military career approached, Jim felt drawn to Christian service…