James, 76, died January 10, 2003, from complications from Alzheimer's disease. He was a 1951 graduate from the University of Washington School of Architecture and was employed in that field for 40 years.

Jim was project manager on many large jobs including the Kingdome in Seattle; the U.S. Pavilion in Spokane for the 1974 World's Fair; The USAF Medical Facility at Travis AFB and the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Seattle before retiring in 1994.

Jim was also a private pilot who built several small airplanes over the years and served as Vashon (Wash.) airport commissioner from 1990 to 1997. He and his wife moved from Vashon Island, Washington to Sun City West, Arizona, in 1998.