In Memoriam: Gentleman Jim Werdell Spoke Softly but Led Mensa With Purpose

James “Jim” Werdell, whose service to Mensa and the Mensa Foundation had a lasting impact, died in early March. He was 78. Besides his compassionate and extensive leadership, Werdell was well-known for his love of family, baseball, and travel.

Born in Chicago, he sang for the acclaimed Paulist Choir as a boy and regularly took the train alone to Wrigley Field, beginning a lifelong love of the Cubs. After graduating from Iowa State University in 1966, Werdell worked for Ford Motor Company and earned an MBA from Wayne State University, developing a passion for cutting-edge cars and technology along the way.

Escaping the Michigan cold, Werdell performed several city and county roles in Solano County, California. After retirement, he volunteered for a local animal shelter and as a deputy sheriff for the county. And in Mensa, Werdell excelled as a volunteer leader.

“It’s hard to measure Jim’s deep, lasting legacy on Mensa International, American Mensa, and the Mensa Foundation,” said Trevor Mitchell, Executive Director of American Mensa, “especially considering the quiet, measured presence that he led with.”

Mensa Foundation President Charlie Steinhice said he was privileged to serve with Werdell on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “Jim was a calm, steady voice of reason and always kept us focused on the things that mattered,” Steinhice said.

Joining American Mensa in 1979 as a member of Southeast Michigan Mensa, Werdell went on to serve American Mensa as Treasurer (1996-2005) and First Vice Chair (2005-07); lead Mensa International as Chairman (2007-09); and contribute to the Mensa Foundation as Treasurer (2015-17) and Vice President (2016-17).

"Jim Werdell was a calm and wise diplomat who was amiable and well-respected. I was honored to work with him in Mensa and at the Mensa Foundation," said Marie Mayer, a former member of the American Mensa Committee and a former president of the Mensa Foundation Board of Trustees. "His experience, objectivity, and insights were invaluable to our work — and I treasured our friendship."

Werdell was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in 2014 and the Lifetime Membership Award in 2017. He was a Life Member.

Often found on a tennis court or in the Napa Valley vineyards, Werdell made friends in many countries as an avid traveler, especially enjoying Ireland, the Netherlands, and China.

“Jim loved Mensa and its members,” said Lori Norris, American Mensa’s Chair. “I will always remember his sparkling eyes and welcoming smile. He was soft-spoken, but when he spoke it was worth listening to. Jim was a true gentleman and will be missed by his many Mensa friends.”