James "Jim" Torrance

James Warren (Jim) Torrance passed away on Monday, January 23, 2023 at the age of ninety. Jim was born September 18, 1932 in Des Moines, Iowa to Charles and Grace Torrance.

Jim and his family followed his father's military service to Nebraska, eventually settling in Portland, Oregon where Jim completed high school in 1950 and earned a BS degree in electrical engineering from Oregon State College (now University) in 1955. Following graduation, Jim joined General Electric engineering personnel, where he participated in a variety of industrial control development projects.

In 1956, Jim served on active duty in the U.S. Army for six months, and was discharged to Army Reserves at year's end. He then returned to General Electric in Massachusetts, where he embarked on the position of Sales Engineer. His subsequent career led him to sales and marketing positions with other technology companies based in Minnesota, Missouri, New York, and New Jersey. In 1975 Jim joined Southwest Controls in Ft. Worth and relocated to Arlington, Texas. By 1990 he had established JT Controls, Inc. as a technical sales and engineering organization to serve the North Texas area.

His work experience with control systems applications provided insights that enabled him to deliver papers on technical topics before the Instrument Society of America (ISA) and other professional groups throughout the years. During 1982-83 Jim served as president of the North Texas Section of ISA. Jim retired and relocated to Carrollton, Texas in 2010.

Jim's interest in competitive sports began in 1950 with his high school swim team in Portland. Throughout his working years, Jim participated in a variety of sports and physical activities. He played soccer on a neighborhood men's team, and coached and refereed youth soccer teams. As a runner, he competed in Dallas' White Rock Marathon in 1978. Later he took up bicycling and participated in group rides.

Travel was another interest of Jim's, shared with Ann Armbrister (his life partner). Together they visited points of interest within the U.S., Europe, and Mexico.

Jim was a lifetime member of the Masonic Order.

Jim is survived by his daughters, Shari and Lori Torrance of Arlington, his sister, Lois Weber of Wilsonville, Oregon, by Ann Armbrister and by his former wife Barbara J. Torrance. He was predeceased by his parents and sister Jeanne Dresher.

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