James Howard "Jim" Liddell passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, May 12, 2008, at an Arlington hospital after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Memorial service: A service will be held in Jim's honor at 2 p.m. Saturday at New World United Methodist Church, 2201 North Davis Drive, Arlington.Memorials: For those wishing to honor Jim's memory, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a contribution be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or any charity of your choice. Jim was born May 15, 1953, in Dallas to Billie and Bob Liddell. Jim grew up in Arlington and graduated with honors from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor's degree in architecture. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects and practiced architecture in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with architecture firms such as HKS and Corgan until 1986. Jim was confined to a wheelchair for over 12 years, but that did not keep him from living life to the fullest. He always maintained a positive attitude in spite of his long and often difficult battle with multiple sclerosis.Jim lived a life consumed with love for others and a passion for creativity. A high chair Jim designed was exhibited at the John Michael Kohler Art Center and was included in Fine Woodworking Magazine's Biennial Design Book in 1977. After Jim was unable to continue his work as an architect, he embraced his love of art and art history by attending courses at the University of Texas at Arlington. He was a true inspiration to all who knew him. Jim was a founding member of New World United Methodist Church in Arlington.Survivors: His parents, Billie and Bob; his brothers, Lee and Clark; his daughter, Carol; his son, Robert; his daughter-in-law, Amy; his granddaughter, Claire; and countless friends and extended family members.

*** I have two memories I would like to share about my uncle, who passed away Monday morning.

1) I remember one summer in Arlington, when all four of us cousins (Tom wasn't born yet) were together, Jim helped us to make tye dye shirts. It was the coolest thing to do. I never knew you could MAKE tye dye shirts before. We were so cute that my grandmother took us to have our pictures made in the shirts. I just remember my uncle being "involved" in that project in some way, shape, or form and sadly-due to MS- I have very few memories of my uncle in this light.

2) Because of Jim, I learned most of what I know about life as a "disabled" individual. How difficult things as simple as using a sink, or getting the mail can be for so many. I think being around someone in my own family, who was confined to a wheelchair, really helped me see the world-and the disabled- in a more compassionate light.