Meet The Goddards: High School Sweethearts and a Lifetime of Love

Rockwall, TX (February 16, 2026) – Two teenagers attending different high schools in adjoining cities have a chance meeting on Miami beach. It is sunset, just one week before the school year began, they met, exchanged names and said a quick farewell.

Fate had a hand in their romance. School districts were re-drawn and suddenly Jim began attending the same school as Jo Ann. They dated off and on those early days, only becoming more serious in early 1958. At that time, Jim experienced a life-threatening illness placing him in a coma and Jo Ann’s devotion intervened. Jo Ann raced to see him, grabbed his hand and said his name… and Jim woke up!

Their bond was sealed.

Jim and Jo Ann Goddard were married in 1959, one year after she finished school. Jim had entered the Air Force the year prior, and Jo Ann began her career with the electric company.

Life and an Air Force career took the couple in many directions – especially across the globe! They shared the experiences of living in numerous locations: Florida, Texas, Tennessee, New Mexico, Illinois, Alaska and even Scotland! But, as the end of his military career approached, Jim felt drawn to Christian service.

With Graduate school behind him, Jim began his career in a different type of service – a Hospital Chaplain – for the next twenty years. Jo Ann continued to work, care for their family, and remained very active in their church as well.

On top of their church and hospital responsibilities, their life was full of work and family – two teenage children, Carol and David. (Today, this closeknit family has grown to include four grandchildren and a great grandchild.)

Their life together was one of adventure and as avid travelers they welcomed it all! They have driven from Key West to Anchorage. Toured the entire East Coast in an RV and taken numerous trips across the West. They enjoyed four cruises, the longest saw them flying to Rome, Italy setting sail on a return cruise to Florida.

Now, they spend their days together at Highland Meadows Health and Rehab pursuing the many activities and programs available to them. Still spending time together, they reflect on all they experienced – and the sweetness of their 66 years that began with that chance meeting.

Blue Ribbon News staff report, in collaboration with Highland Meadows Health & Rehab, a Blue Ribbon News advertiser. Photos courtesy of Jim and Jo Ann Goddard.

  couples, feature, Highland Meadows health and rehab, Rockwall, Valentine’s