James Frederick Housel

1951 - 2017

James Frederick Housel

July 28, 1951 ~ March 11, 2017

Fred Housel, a professional photographer, an astronomer, and loving fiance; of Marita Holdaway, passed away suddenly Saturday, March 11, 2017 on Johns Island in the San Juans, Washington. Those who worked with Fred professionally remember him as "a gentleman, a scholar, a talented artist, a good friend, and always very generous with his encouragement and good ideas - a good role model for all." Fred was known for his ability to find color in the most industrial of settings, a skill that graced his many photographs of native lilies on Johns Island and of endless galaxies and stars. A generous man, he spent many years donating hours of his time and his photography to CARE, in Peru, Angola, and the Philippines, taking photographs of children that CARE helps, images that are haunting, beautiful, respectfully communicating young lives in a single photo. With Marita at his side, they complimented each other well; he adored her contributions, her interweaving of wide-ranging art into his own art and humor and into their lives. Fred is the son of the late William Edgar Housel and Marjorie Pew Housel Lloyd of Philadelphia. He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Stone; his stepbrother, Jock Lloyd; his stepsister, Robin Lloyd; and nieces Jessica and Samantha. Additionally, he is survived by step-daughter and husband Gabby and Peter Mortensen with daughters Lily and Everly; step-daughter Alisha and husband Peter Brown with daughters Adelaide and Loretta.