19 responses to Jimmy Dwyane Wood

1. 

   Nancy Cunnane says:

   June 29, 2025

   Greetings from the Trinidad crew,

   It is with broken hearts that this tribute is penned.
   Jimmy Wood had such a powerful impact on the majority of our careers, it is the very least that we could do to show our unbroken gratitude to him.

   Jimmy was our first Bechtel Manager. It started on the Atlantic LNG Project in Point Fortin Trinidad, towards the latter end of the 1990’s.
   He was the Project Field Procurement Manager, the one who was instrumental in bringing us on board with Bechtel.

   I (Marlon) was interviewed by Jimmy and he took a chance on me by offering me a job for which I did not meet the criteria.
   The job was advertised as requiring a first degree, in addition to, work experience. I only had the industry experience.
   When I applied, it was at the request of a friend. I did not see the posting for the vacancy. If I had seen it, I would not have applied.

   During the interview, the one thing that stood out was the fact that although I was asked a few questions, the focus was mainly on Jimmy advising his expectations from me for the job.
   A few days later, I was offered the job and have been with Bechtel since then.

   During my tenure on the Atlantic LNG job, Jimmy is the one who always encouraged myself and others, to strive for betterment in our careers.
   A few years after being hired, he saw my potential in another area of Procurement (Data Management) and when the opportunity arose, instead of filling a vacancy to replace an Expat with another Expat, he promoted me as the Lead for the Bechtel Procurement System.

   Another significant instance in my career occurred almost 20 years later.
   I was working on a project in Houston and had received a workforce reduction letter.
   My Functional Manager at that time, did not have an open vacancy for me so I was on the verge of being unemployed.
   Jimmy was aware of the situation and was in the process of trying to help, although I did not directly report to him.
   He was in a completely different role at that time. The day before my termination, Jimmy called me to say he found a spot for me.
   I was so relieved and filled with gratitude that I made a promise to give my best at ALL times to repay the faith he showed in me.

   I also recall a situation on Atlantic LNG where I told Jimmy about two family members that were looking to change their careers (at separate times during the project) and without hesitation, he said to send him their resumes.
   Both were hired by Jimmy.

   Atlantic LNG, although almost 30 years ago, continues to be discussed by the Trini crew in VERY fond terms. This has been described by almost all of us, not just in Procurement, as the best project that we worked on.
   The camaraderie that was shared, was second to none. Jimmy played a huge role in that, although he was a boss who demanded excellence from us at all times, he understood the need to make it an enjoyable atmosphere.
   We all worked very hard on the project but joked around a lot with Jimmy joining in many times.

   Jimmy is still mentioned as the best boss we had, even for those who moved to other companies. He taught us all well.
   Two things that stuck with the Trini crew, based on Jimmy tutorage are:
   1. Do the job right, the first time. Spend the extra time to review your work and avoid re-doing anything.
   2. Be specific when providing updates to Project Team/Construction/Client.
   Jimmy coined a phrase which has stuck with me even till today “soon is not a measurement of time”.
   When Jimmy asked for an update on a task, we dared not tell him that it would be provided soon or be vague.
   He wanted a proper timeline so he in turn could provide it to others.

   Jimmy always stood up for his employees, especially if other disciplines had something negative to report. We all knew that.
   He went out of his way to ensure that we all felt part of the team and we could count on his support.
   If we needed guidance on work tasks, we could freely go to him for input.

   Many other Procurement employees can relate to how Jimmy impacted their careers, especially by helping them either switch roles within Supply Chain or promoted them to bigger/brighter things.
   The list of people who Jimmy fought for to get foreign assignments is impressive. Many have enjoyed assignments in Angola, US, Australia, etc.
   Many were offered senior roles by Jimmy, without hesitation. He trusted the Trinis to be supervisors and managers and today, some are still in these roles in different countries.

   His help was not just limited to Bechtel people. Jimmy also assisted other Trinidadians who worked at Atlantic LNG for different companies, obtain foreign assignments with Bechtel.
   This tells you the type of person he was to us…unwavering trust in our ability to do the job.
   If Jimmy was not in our path when we worked in Atlantic days many lives would have been different.
   He was very well respected and genuinely liked by almost everyone he worked with.

   One thing that speaks volumes about Jimmy is his impact not only with the Trinis who worked directly for/with him in Procurement.
   Many other Trinidadians, who worked in Engineering/Project Controls/Construction/Administration/Accounting/Document Management/Commissioning etc., have all shared with us, at one time or another, their fondness for Jimmy because of the type of person he was. He treated us all with respect and had a great time doing so.

   Jimmy’s magnanimity to Trinis extended beyond just us. He showed his love to Trini dogs when he “adopted” a stray dog that used to frequent to warehouse yard.
   He could be seen many times taking food to give to the dog who eventually was named Damus (after our Piping contractor).

   His passing has left a huge gap in our lives, as with everyone else who knew him.
   Even though we knew he was enjoying his well deserved retirement, some people were still in communication with him on Facebook.

   To Sandra and his loved ones, please accept our heartfelt condolences on your loss. We hope you know how much Jimmy meant to all of us.
   We pray that Almighty God will give you His divine comfort and strength during this trying time in your lives.

   Respectfully,
   Marlon Khan
   Reza Ali
   Donald Kowlessar
   Sherwin Guiseppi
   Farley Ferreira
   Wade Horne
   Damien Mohammed
   Peter Frederick
   Patrisha Khan
   Hilary Brewster
   Ganesh Rooplal
   Annmatie Chadee-Rooplal
   Stacey Lochan-Joseph
   Maryvonne Mendoza
   Arlene Matthews

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2. 

   PAULINE CORDICE says:

   June 29, 2025

   My deepest condolences.

   It was a great pleasure and honor to know Jimmy Wood. He was a remarkable leader—fair, compassionate, and deeply committed to those around him. His guidance and strength changed countless lives for the better, and his legacy will live on in all those he inspired.

   He will be missed dearly.
   Rest in peace, Jimmy.

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3. 

   Luke Walker says:

   June 29, 2025

   Jimmy, a well-respected leader in his field, who consistently demonstrated a calm demeanor and exercised consistently fair judgement. Like many of the professionals in our company, I owe a great deal to Jimmy for his guidance, knowledge and leadership. It was a great privilege to work with you mate, you will be greatly missed.

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4. 

   Hope Garcia says:

   July 3, 2025

   My heart is heavy from the loss of one of my dearest friends. We met through work at Bechtel in SF about 40 years ago. We became quick friends and played in the company sponsored softball league. Even after his transfer to Trinidad, we remained good friends. He helped me through some tough times; he was a great, loyal and loving friend.

   I appreciated his patience and calm demeanor, and his ability to coach and develop those who reported to him on the job. He was helpful, caring and very witty. He will be greatly missed.

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