James "Jim" Goldstine
February 22, 1935 - November 1, 2025
Beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather
February 22, 1935 - November 1, 2025
Beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather
Jim Goldstine died peacefully of natural causes on November 1, 2025 on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, his adopted home of 30 years, at the age of 90. He died as he lived, a kind, gentle soul, preferring to stand loyally in the supportive background of his family so they could shine their brightest.
In his usual giving spirit, Jim shared his February 22 birthday with his own dad, born in 1935 an only child in upstate New York to Harold and Mary Goldstine. He was raised in Fulton and Baldwinsville, NY and graduated from SUNY Oswego with a teaching degree. At the age of 21 he met 16-year-old Dawn in Syracuse in 1956 and married her in Georgia in 1957 after joining the U.S. Navy and being called to serve in Guam for 3 years.
Their son, Chris, was born in Guam in 1958 and their daughter, Shara, followed when they returned to the United States in 1960. Jim and Dawn moved to Long Island when Jim got his first teaching job. Jim received his master's in education from Hofstra University and taught high school electronics for 30 years until he and Dawn moved to Exmore, Virginia in 1989. Jim spent the next 17 years in "retirement" teaching electronics and then computer science at the Eastern Shore Community College where he was known in his own right as a steadfast friend and colleague.
Jim continued his passion for teaching and technology when he became a mentor for Northampton High School's first robotics team alongside his grandson, Matt. Jim loved good food, music and the Arts as a member of the ESO Arts Center. He was even begrudgingly persuaded to sing, dance and act in a few plays put on by the local community theatre.
Jim and Dawn moved his father, Goldy, and her mother, Marguerite, to the Eastern Shore and dutifully took care of them, along with Chris' mother-in-law, Gerda, so they could comfortably live out their last days. Upon his own retirement from the Coast Guard, Chris moved with his wife and son to the Eastern Shore, making this beautiful place near Silver Beach a home for the entire Goldstine family. Jim's brother-in-law, Steve, and his wife, Judy Rulison also now reside on Occohannock Neck. Daughter, Shara, raised twins with her husband in Ithaca, NY, but spent many lovely Christmases and summer breaks at the Goldstine homestead.
Jim is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dawn, his one true love. He leaves behind his son, Chris Goldstine, Chris' wife, Linda and their son, Matt, who Jim would have proudly told you now works at NASA on Wallops Island and lives near Chincotague with his new wife, Kat. He is also survived by his daughter, Shara Walden, her husband, Jeff, and their children whom Jim adored, Trevor and Grace Walden, now attending college in upstate New York.
Born on February 22 to Harold and Mary Goldstine.
Met his one true love, Dawn, in Syracuse.
Married Dawn in Georgia and was called to serve in Guam.
Their son, Chris, was born in Guam.
Returned to the United States, where their daughter, Shara, was born.
Moved to Long Island and taught high school electronics for 30 years.
He and Dawn began their "retirement" on the Eastern Shore.
Taught electronics and computer science at the Eastern Shore Community College for 17 years.
He passed away peacefully at age 90, surrounded by his family.
A few of our favorite moments. Click any image to enlarge.
In recognition of Jim's passion for teaching and technology, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Northampton High School robotics team he proudly mentored.
Please share your condolences, memories, and stories on the official guestbook. All messages will be cherished by the family.
A celebration of life will be announced.
Arrangements made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore, Virginia.