Gary Eldon James Poulsbo, Washington Obituary

Gary Eldon James

Gary James, educator, historian, gardener, and train conductor, died Monday, October 11, 2021 at the age of 73 at his home in Poulsbo, Washington. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2021 and maintained his faith and easy disposition throughout his battle. He said “I want to keep my sense of humor ‘till the end’” and he indeed accomplished his goal by bringing levity and joy even in his final moments. Gary had the best “Dad Jokes”. His favorite joke was: “Why do melons get married? … because they cantaloupe”. Gary was slow to speak his mind, quick to listen, and always made you feel he had time for you. Gary was born in 1948 to Virgil and Eloise James in McPherson, Kansas and grew up in Washington State. Upon his return from serving with the United States Army in Vietnam (1969- 1970), Gary married Gennine Moody, May 1, 1970. In 1971 after completing his third year in the Army they moved from Texas back to the Pacific Northwest. In 1975 Gary graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Business Administration. That same year, Gennine died, August 17, 1975. A month later, Gary moved to Tacoma and attended the Free Methodist Church, where he made his life-long commitment to Jesus Christ and serving the needs of his community. In February 1983 Gary met Laurie Pettengill during a church singles retreat. They were married August 6, 1983, and made their home in Poulsbo, Washington. After the birth of their first daughter, he pursued his dream of becoming a teacher, earned a degree in History, and graduated with honors from Seattle Pacific University in 1990. Following the birth of their son, and second daughter, Gary became a stay-at-home Dad and served his community as a substitute teacher and church leader. Weaving together their love, humor, creativity, and faith, Gary and Laurie raised their children, welcomed their spouses, celebrated the births of six precious grandchildren, and began to enjoy their retirement years. Despite his diagnosis, Gary and Laurie savored every moment of their thirty-eight years of marriage. Gary is greatly missed by his wife, Laurie; their eldest daughter Melissa and Michael Butler and children, Gabriel, Haylie, and Makenzie; son Alex and Anna James and children, Russell, Evelyn and Makarios; as well as their youngest daughter Britannia and Cameron Irwin. Gary is also survived by five younger siblings; Norman, Bryon, Ginny, Beverly and Robert, a host of extended family members, and many dear friends including his model railroad club. Gary’s sense of humor, his ability to bring out the best in others, and his culinary skills--demonstrated by his delicious cheesecakes, pancakes, biscuits, and homemade jams--will be fondly remembered. Gary’s Celebration of Life was held on October 17, 2021 at Faith Episcopal Church, Poulsbo, WA. https://www.facebook.com/1298011971/posts/10221742087483592/?d=n
August 8, 1948 - October 11, 202108/08/194810/11/2021
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Obituary

Gary James, educator, historian, gardener, and train conductor, died Monday, October 11, 2021 at the age of 73 at his home in Poulsbo, Washington. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2021 and maintained his faith and easy disposition throughout his battle. He said “I want to keep my sense of humor ‘till the end’” and he indeed accomplished his goal by bringing levity and joy even in his final moments. Gary had the best “Dad Jokes”. His favorite joke was: “Why do melons get married? … because they cantaloupe”. Gary was slow to speak his mind, quick to listen, and always made you feel he had time for you. Gary was born in 1948 to Virgil and Eloise James in McPherson, Kansas and grew up in Washington State. Upon his return from serving with the United States Army in Vietnam (1969- 1970), Gary married Gennine Moody, May 1, 1970. In 1971 after completing his third year in the Army they moved from Texas back to the Pacific Northwest. In 1975 Gary graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Business Administration. That same year, Gennine died, August 17, 1975. A month later, Gary moved to Tacoma and attended the Free Methodist Church, where he made his life-long commitment to Jesus Christ and serving the needs of his community. In February 1983 Gary met Laurie Pettengill during a church singles retreat. They were married August 6, 1983, and made their home in Poulsbo, Washington. After the birth of their first daughter, he pursued his dream of becoming a teacher, earned a degree in History, and graduated with honors from Seattle Pacific University in 1990. Following the birth of their son, and second daughter, Gary became a stay-at-home Dad and served his community as a substitute teacher and church leader. Weaving together their love, humor, creativity, and faith, Gary and Laurie raised their children, welcomed their spouses, celebrated the births of six precious grandchildren, and began to enjoy their retirement years. Despite his diagnosis, Gary and Laurie savored every moment of their thirty-eight years of marriage. Gary is greatly missed by his wife, Laurie; their eldest daughter Melissa and Michael Butler and children, Gabriel, Haylie, and Makenzie; son Alex and Anna James and children, Russell, Evelyn and Makarios; as well as their youngest daughter Britannia and Cameron Irwin. Gary is also survived by five younger siblings; Norman, Bryon, Ginny, Beverly and Robert, a host of extended family members, and many dear friends including his model railroad club. Gary’s sense of humor, his ability to bring out the best in others, and his culinary skills--demonstrated by his delicious cheesecakes, pancakes, biscuits, and homemade jams--will be fondly remembered. Gary’s Celebration of Life was held on October 17, 2021 at Faith Episcopal Church, Poulsbo, WA. https://www.facebook.com/1298011971/posts/10221742087483592/?d=n

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