James Ernest Warne, Jr. (Jim) passed away Monday, February 10, 2020 after 93 years of life filled with a passion for making a difference and honoring his beliefs. He will be missed by the many he cherished and helped in life, and he will be remembered for his heartfelt contributions to family, friends, community, profession, and the company he founded, together with its people that he so appreciated. Jim challenged everyone around him to do more and live more fully, but held himself the most accountable for “making it happen” and “doing the right thing.”
Jim was born in Bisbee, Arizona on May 24, 1926, the only child of James Ernest Warne, Sr. and Alice Roosevelt Wilson. He joined the Navy before finishing high school and served in the Amphibious Forces in the Pacific theater during WWII. He earned his GED while serving in the Navy for five years. Courtesy of the GI Bill, Jim attended Arizona State College (later Arizona State University) and the University of New Mexico, where he earned a B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering.
While in New Mexico, Jim met Joan Anne Gardner, his wife of 69 years, and they married on January 26, 1951. Jim and Joan moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1953 and raised their two children, daughter Jan Lee Warne (Cacheris) and son James Ernest Warne, III in the Arcadia neighborhood.
In 1955, Jim and Joan founded Engineers Testing Laboratories, Inc., now known as Western Technologies, Inc. The firm pioneered geotechnical engineering and related construction services in Arizona, and remained the largest consulting engineering company headquartered in Arizona for many years. As an entrepreneur and leader in his profession and community, Jim worked to update building codes, established professional societies, and invented engineering methodologies for the arid Southwest. He was grateful for the opportunity to work hard, rise, and give back. Through his commitment and drive, he changed the trajectory of many people’s lives.
Jim was an Arizona original. He loved Arizona, its genuine people, and rich history. He had a passion for genealogy, which led to many trips to Cornwall, England.
Jim is survived by his wife Joan Anne Gardner, daughter Jan Lee Warne Cacheris (Chris), son James E. Warne, III (Beth); grandchildren Christopher John Warne Cacheris (Amanda), Catherine Jan Warne Cacheris Mayhew (Brad), Craig James Warne Cacheris, and James Farley Warne; and great-granddaughter Beverly Catherine Cacheris.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Jim at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Paradise Valley United Methodist Church, 4455 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/giving-to-mayo-clinic or to The Sonntag Spine Center at Barrow Neurological Institute (supportbarrow.org).
Posey M Nash
What an honor it was to know him, he kept you on your toes!
We share our sorrow on your loss, and applaud his moral compass.
Ed Farrell
Mr Warne (TOM) as I knew him was one of the greatest people I have ever had the honor to know and the privilege to call a friend, not just a boss, I was very grateful to have worked for him and the WT/WTI family. TOM you will truly be missed, Angels Charge! My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Warne Family and the WT/WTI family
Pat Dellisanti
Joan
So sorry to read of Jim’s passing. Please know you are in my thoughts.
Pat Dellisanti
Santiago Fimbrez
Unique, pioneer, high standards are only a few words to describe Jim Jr. (T.O.M.). Condolences to Joan, Jan, Jim III and family. Take your well deserved rest in peace Mr. Warne. I will remember you always.
JoAnn Stanton
My condolences to the Warne family and a very warm hug to Joan. I am a better person for having met you all and I’m so grateful that I was able to be a part of his end of life care. You are in my heart and my prayers. Joan rest well knowing that you were an amazing wife, caregiver and best friend to Jim not to mention that you are an amazing inspiration to me. I can only hope to be half as amazing as you when I reach your age.
Steve Twist
Mr. Warne was an Arizona treasure. He was an entrepreneur who created growth and jobs for our state. He was a principled advocate for truth and fairness in our public life. These standards inspired those who knew him to be better. He made Arizona better. He made me better. RIP Jim. Love and peace to all the family.
Bob Wenzel
Condolences and thoughts of peace and happiness to the Warne family. It was a privilege to have worked for WT, a company founded in the great American tradition of making one’s own way in the world. I enjoyed meeting “TOM during my time at WT and will always be grateful for being able to work there for over 18 years. A great family man , business man and leader!
Sherry Henry
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of Jim. He was a wonderful man and it was a privilege to know him for many years, We had great fun – and success – on the tennis courts at ACC and I always enjoyed seeing him off the courts as well. His life was a testimony to his passion for always doing the right thing, his dedication to his family and to the community and state which he loved. He will be missed.
Love and prayers,
Sherry (Roodman) Henry
Janet Nascimento
There are no words which can accurately express the loss of a loved one to those left behind. I can say it was my great honor to have known and been considered a family member of Western Technologies Inc. There is no doubt he was a self-made man with integrity. Hold dear the many stories shared which will keep his memory alive for generations to come.
My prayers are with each of you.
Laura Titus
I just learned of Jim’s passing and am so sorry to hear. While anticipated, it is always a surprise and always so hard. I saw the word original used. He was truly an original…strong, bright, energized, creative, trust worthy. A leader in every way. All Arizona. It was my fortune to know him and his passing is a loss.
Susan McCutchan
My condolences to Jim’s family. I have never forgotten Jim from my years at WTI. He was stern but also had a sense of humor. I still tell the story of Jim coming in and throwing a thermostat cover across the room and said “I have been to the county fair and two hog callings and I ain’t never seen a thing like that!” Loved it! Prayers for the family.