Jim passed away Thursday, January 23rd, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease.  He received his MD from the University of Nebraska in 1955 and served in the Navy Medical Corps until 1958.  He practiced family medicine in Pierce County from 1959 to 1998.  In addition, he was a past president of the Tacoma-Pierce County Academy of Family Practice and a member of the board of directors for the Pierce County Medical Foundation.

His friends will remember his love of the outdoors, especially Point Defiance Park, where he walked the trails and fished in the nearby waters. His children and grandchildren will remember the advice and support he gave them.

He is survived by his children, Michele Acker (Randy) of Covington, Louisiana, Beth Richardson (Pat Blann) of Olalla, WA, and John (Michele Harvey-Blankenship) of Edmonton, Alberta, his four grandchildren, Heather, Owen, Malcolm, and Thea, and three great-grandchildren, Aidan, Bryce, and Teresa.

He is preceded in death by his wife Ann (Cleland), his brother Jack, and his parents, Milton and Kathryn.