James Bruce Potter

1955 - 2014

Sep. 23, 1955 - May 6, 2014 James Bruce Potter passed away May 6, 2014, a mere 3 ½ months after being diagnosed with cancer. He left this Earth surrounded by his treasured family and dear friends at his home in Snohomish. Jim is survived by his wife of 33 years, Rebecca Ann Potter; his sons, Wesley W. Potter (26), Jayred J. Potter (24); and his daughter, Lisa-Baylee Potter (20). He is also survived by his parents, William and Joan Potter; his sister, Jill Potter; his brother, Douglas Potter; brother-in-law, Dr. Robert Bailey; sisters-in-law, Karen Brattesani and Lori Silverstein; aunt, Jackie Deetken; nieces; nephews; and cousins. A true native of the region, Jim was born in a Quonset hut at Ft. Lawton (now Discovery Park), moving with his family over the years to California, Guam, and Virginia before ultimately resettling in Seattle. He was a graduate of Nathan Hale High School and the University of Washington. Jim was a Rotary exchange student during his high school years to New Zealand, and his friendships with the families he came to know there have continued to this day. Travel was Jim's favorite hobby, and it led him to adventures on six of the seven continents. Driven by the desire for his children to experience another culture and speak a second language, Jim and Rebecca moved to La Serena, Chile for 13 months (1997-1998); much like his time in New Zealand, friendships from that era continue today, and the Potters recently hosted a son of one of their Chilean friends here in Snohomish. Jim was highly respected investor/developer of real estate, and had over 50 properties from Olympia to Burlington, with business ranging from the Lynnwood Bowl and Skate, to the recently constructed Skagit Shooting Range. Among his accomplishments, he founded Kauri Investments, Footprint Investments, and his family operating company, La Serena Holdings. Jim believed strongly in a life of service, and served on the boards of Wellspring Family Services, Master Builders of King and Snohomish counties, Seattle Rotary, Associates in Cultural Exchange, Seattle Academies of Foundation, The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, The Burke Museum, and other civic groups. He actively served as a Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop #338 for seven years. Jim was a mentor to many, both in his professional and private life. He approached life with an attitude of abundance, and loved helping others achieve their goals and dreams. His family has been (gratefully) inundated by letters from those whose lives Jim touched. While Jim was widely respected for his business creativity and acumen, it was at home where he truly shone. You couldn't know Jim for long without knowing how dearly he loved his family. He and Rebecca lived a true love story, and their marriage was their greatest achievement. There are many families that began having their own "date nights" after spending some time around the Potters. Jim was a dedicated and thoughtful father. He took trips with each of their children individually every four years, beginning at age 8, and he treasured his one-on-one time while exploring together. Jim wanted nothing more as his life drew to a close than to be surrounded by Rebecca and their children; he considered their constant presence throughout these last three months as the ultimate sign of a life well lived. A memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Boy Scouts of America, www.seattlebsa.org, Well-spring Family Services www.wellspringfs.org, or Associates in Cultural Exchange www.cultural.org.