DAVID JAMES Obituary

David Frank James Was born in Chicago, IL February 8, 1931. He died October 7, 2014 at the age of 83. He grew up in the Midwest, in Lakewood, and in Tacoma, WA. He graduated from Stadium High School in 1948 and went on to attend the University of Washington. It was at college that he met his future wife, Barbara Anderson, and they were married right after his junior year, in the summer of 1951. During the Korean War David joined the US Coast Guard, serving four years. After his tour of duty he returned to school and graduated with his B.A. degree and teaching certificate in 1958. He taught "English" and "Bible as Literature" at Peninsula High School in Gig Harbor, WA, He also served as an assistant coach for PHS football and track. Early on, he coached ice hockey at the Lakewood Ice Arena, where he had loved playing ice hockey as a boy, and where he later taught his wife and four children to skate. He loved and appreciated music, and supported his family's musical endeavors. A very patriotic and Christian man, he was supportive of his country, generous and giving to others, a loving husband, father, grand- and great-grandfather, and was dearly loved by all. Survivors include his wife Barbara James; children Wayne D. James (Kris), April D. Tibbs (John), and Kerry B. James; grandchildren Stephanie Oberst, Rose James, Benjamin Tibbs (Amanda), Jennifer Mullen (Orin), and Mattea Goff (Kris); and great-grandchildren Ethan, Kaleb, Abigale, and Isabel. He will also be missed by his siblings, Bonnie Jean Sauer, Brian, Ken, Frank, Harry, Larry, and Terry James, by his many good friends, and the "Living Church of God" family. He was preceded in death by his son Bret, daughter Brenda, and grandson Joseph Tibbs. David will be laid to rest at Haven of Rest in Gig Harbor. A memorial service will be held at 3:30pm Saturday, November 8, 2014, at the Mid County Community Center, 10205 44th Ave. E, Tacoma, WA. Please go online to the guest book at the Haven of Rest website, www.havenofrest.com, for sharing condolences.

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Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Oct. 29, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for DAVID JAMES

12 Entries

Susie Jones

November 9, 2014

Mr. James was a one of a kind. Blessings to him and his loved ones. He will not be forgotten as he is legendary in PEN HIGH lore. As I approach 30 years in Education, 21 years PE & Health and now a Director, becoming a teacher has been the best decision in my life. However, it may be karmic debt because I was a bit of a rascal to my teachers. Mr. James I apologize for being a punk and for tossing an old, torn up, dictionary out the 2nd floor window and yes Juli Sullivan helped me...yeah it was one of those big ones...Having fun and laughing was the most important thing to me then and still is. It works professionally & personally! To all "Gig" peeps did we grow up in an amazing time and a sweet town or what? Mr. James, rest in peace, love to you and yours...

November 8, 2014

Rest in peace Mr James you were the one teacher that showed me you really cared , every time I cross a t or dot a i I think of you, thank you rest in peace Mr JAMES

Marc Ross

November 6, 2014

Mr. James...truly, one of the kindest humans I will ever meet in my life. Mr. James was my teacher at PHS...he was also a friend. It was always a joy to see him because he would always flash his unmistakable smile as soon as he recognized you. During my senior year at PHS (class of '72) I was on the annual staff. One of my assignments was to do the track layout and write the script. I was stuck with putting the words together...I had good rough draft going, but it was lacking. The one and only person I asked for help from was Mr. James. He asked what I was trying to convey, he listened and with one simple word, he made my script go from good to what I felt was great. The word he had me use has been with me my entire life since that day...it has helped guide me through my college years and into my 30 years of being a teacher...with just one simple word...a word I had never heard of, yet a word that impacted my life...the word, impetus, has been with me since the day Mr. James suggested its use for my script. Mr. James provided the impetus within me to work to be the best I can be...Mr. James was a gift to me and to all the students he was able to reach. With regret, I will not be able to attend Mr. James' memorial because of an out of town trip...but he has been in my thoughts, as has his family. Peace to the James Family. Peace to you, Mr. James.

Pete Quesada

November 5, 2014

Mr. James, may you truly rest in peace. Although I don't recall an English lesson, I learned a much greater lesson. I watched how you used humor and a wry smile while dealing with our absurdity. We, of course, thought we knew it all. I am fortunate to have been touched by your kindness.

Sharon Schultz

November 4, 2014

Thank you to a man who put up with much for very little in return. You were an inspiration to me at a time when I very much needed to be inspired. I will continue to think of you as my friend.

Juli Sullivan Dougherty

November 3, 2014

Mr. James was not only a great man, he was the favorite English teacher at Pen High. He had a wonderful sense of humor! We always looked forward to what would happen next in his class. Even though we thought we were challenging him with silly things we would do to him, he would beat us at our own games. He was endearing, kind and fun. He will be greatly missed. Thank you Mr. James for all the memories! RIP and Thank you!

Larry Geringer

November 1, 2014

David was a true patriot and such a friend to everyone he met. We spent many hours flag waving on the corner of Pt Fosdick and OLympic drive. He had a kind heart and we will surely miss him at all of our patriotic events in and around Gig Harbor.
The Lord said "I have need of you David" And He answered..our hearts go out to Barbara and the family..

Ron Baker

November 1, 2014

A great English Composition teacher, I learned much from Mr. James. He was kind, thoughtful and helped me and many other PHS students navigate the "rough waters" of the late 60's and 70's. God Bless You.

Paul Spadoni

October 30, 2014

Thank you, Mr. James, for the years of service you gave to the students of Peninsula High School. I still remember lessons I learned from you in my English classes.

Sharon Lockard

October 29, 2014

I was saddened to learn of Uncle Dave's passing. He was a quiet, gentle person. My sympathies to Aunt Barbara and cousins. Sharon Tisch Lockard

Gina Denton

October 29, 2014

Say hi to my sweet poppi for me Mr James. I'm sure you 2 can have some laughs about the silly things us Denton girls said in school. R.I.P.

Anonymous

October 29, 2014

Neither financier seized either species of weird leisure.

How many teachers can say with 100% certainty that they taught thousands of students something they will never forget? And something useful at that? Mr. James was great guy.

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