Jim Feltrup
Jim Feltrup, 86, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2012, surrounded by his family. Born on May 13, 1926, in Kearny, New Jersey, Jim attended Kearney High School and, upon graduating, attended Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
A graduate of the class of 1946, Jim served his country in the Pacific Theater in both World War II and the Korean War. He could recount his naval experiences with fascinating detail, including his participation at the Battle of Peleliu.
After his service years, Jim spent 37 years with Western Electric, eventually moving from the east coast to Los Altos, CA, Mercer Island, WA, and finally to Danville, CA. While in Washington, Jim oversaw the installation of many of the telephone switching stations that are still in use today.
Jim married his high school sweetheart, Doris Smith, on November 19, 1949. Together they raised two children, Susan and Peter. They celebrated 46 years together before her death in 1995.
Upon retirement, Jim moved back to Mercer Island and was able to enjoy his many, varied interests. His love of boating and the water remained paramount throughout his life. He owned both sailboats and powerboats and he treasured his time out on the water. His "retirement" did not last long as he
spent many years at West Marine talking boats with customers.
Jim was a volunteer with the Center for Wooden Boats at Lake Union for over 28 years. He spent endless hours restoring the boats he loved so much, or on the docks talking with visitors and fellow boat lovers. His love of woodworking was evident in meticulous care he took with each project.
Jim was a man of strong faith. Throughout his life he served his church. Active in the Methodist Church most his life, he served as lay-leader, on the finance committee, the building committee; you name it and Jim was deeply involved.
Jim's strong spirit of service continued in both the Masonic Order and the Lions Club. A Mason for over 65 years, Jim served as Master of the Mercer Island Lodge. With the Mercer Island Lions Club Jim served in many leadership positions and was awarded the Melvin Jones Service Award in recognition of his years of service. He was also active in the Kings Point Alumni Association. In recognition of his years of service to his community he was recognized with the Kings Point Meritorious Alumni Award in 2011.
In 1997, lightning struck twice when Jim married Mary Ryan on October 24, 1997. Jim was blessed with 15 years with Mary. Upon moving to Bellevue, Jim came back to his roots as a youth and was involved with St. Margaret's Episcopal Church.
This man of faith, honored veteran, loving father and faithful husband will be greatly missed. Jim is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Susan, son Peter, and four grandchildren, Amy, Matt, Scott and John.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00a.m. on Friday, November 30, 2012 at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Bellevue, WA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Center for Wooden Boats - 1010 Valley St., Seattle 98109, or St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Bellevue, WA.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Sunset Hills Funeral Home.
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Published in The Seattle Times from Nov. 24 to Nov. 25, 2012
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