Thomas S. James, Jr. Thomas S. James, Jr. passed away on January 8, 2016 after a fatal automobile accident. He was born on December 14, 1954 and raised in Tacoma. After graduating from the University of Washington, he received his J.D. from Harvard Law School. He was a Partner at Davis Wright Tremaine and later founded Opus Law Group with several valued members of his retail leasing and litigation practices. Tom is survived by his wife, Gail, their two sons, Thomas III and Robert, mother Rose, sister Jane, brother Dan, sister-inlaw Judy, niece Lauren and nephew Michael. A funeral mass will be held at 5:30 pm, Friday, January 15 at St. James Cathedral, 804 9th Ave, Seattle. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. James Cathedral Music Program, 804 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, or Northwest Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums, c/o 15440 Bel Red Road, Redmond, WA 98052. Hoffner Fisher & Harvey Guestbook at harveyfuneral.com

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Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Jan. 14, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS JAMES

Sponsored by CLOSED-Harvey Family Funeral Home.

55 Entries

Mary Ann Odegaard

January 6, 2023

Still think about my wonderful missed dear friend, Tom, often.

Susan Zimmrman

February 1, 2016

James family- Tom was such a warm hearted person and have known him for many years working in the real estate industry. You used to sit in front of us at some of the Husky games and had a nice family. Sending prayers and strength to you and know how much Tom touched so many people. Many Blessings.

Vickie HNA~'76

January 26, 2016

Gail, May the peace of God surround you and your family during this difficult time.
~ with sincerest Sympathy.

Carla Richards

January 26, 2016

Gail,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. I hope fond memories are a comfort to you at this sad time. Take care.

January 18, 2016

To the James family - my condolences at your tragic loss. I knew Tom professionally and always enjoyed the opportunity to work with him. What a smart, witty, generous and gracious man. I am lucky to have known him. Best wishes to you at this very difficult time.

Anne Lawler

Bruce Easter

January 17, 2016

Dear Gail,

We were so incredibly sad to learn today of Tom's passing. He (and you of course) always brought joy to our lives, smiles to our faces and always, always laughter. We send our love to you and your boys and courage and support through this time of loss. Bruce Easter and Cynthia Faubion.

Carolyn Stewart

January 16, 2016

Dear Gail,

I was so saddened to hear this news today. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Much blessings and love.

Emily & Jack Breese

January 16, 2016

Dear Gail, We are sorry and sad about Tom's passing. Please know that we are thinking so much about you and your sons. We pray for your comfort and healing. Our condolences,

Robin Brakefield

January 16, 2016

Love to you and your family!

Cyrus Donald Smith

January 15, 2016

The one thing that always impressed me about Tom even more than his intellect & drive was that his family meant so much to him.
I'm confident Tom was deemed to have been needed elsewhere.
I'll pray for the best for all of you.

Janet Church

January 15, 2016

Dearest Gail, Tommy and Bobby,
I am so sad and so deeply sorry for your loss....I send all of my love and prayers. I have been immersing myself in the lovely memories of Tom; such an amazing man. My deepest condolences.

Sarah Wolz

January 15, 2016

Gail, Tommy and Bobby,
I am so deeply sorry. We hold you all in our thoughts and hearts. Our sincere condolences,
Sarah Wolz & Peter Ory

Doug Henrikson

January 15, 2016

Gail, I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I can't begin to express my sorrow. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

January 15, 2016

Dear Gail and family,
I am so saddened by the loss of your dear Tom. I will always remember his kind and generous spirit, and what an amazing man he was. Our family sends love and we praying for everyone.
Erin Cordry and Eric Hanson

January 15, 2016

Gail:
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Tom was a strong supporter of the University of Washington's Retail Management Program for which I am incredibly grateful. In addition as the MC of the Icons of Retail Events, Tom's amazing abilities to communicate with all types of people came through strongly and a new group of Tom James fans was born. Through those many activities and his Retail Conference we became great friends and followed each other's families' activities, college choices, trips, and escapades. I will miss him greatly. My family joins me in these thoughts as they too have been affected by yours and Tom's graciousness. The backstage tour of the Nutcracker last year is still a highlight of my granddaughter's life (and her mother's and mine). My son Jonathan enjoyed a wonderful lunch last winter with Tom and Robert Spector and was charmed by both men's openness, intelligence and senses of humor.

I moved to Eastern Washington in October and learning only yesterday afternoon of the time of the services and am unable to change gears fast enough to make it this afternoon. My thoughts will be with you, Thomas and Robert.

I miss my friend. Please take care of yourselves and let me know if I can do anything at all for you.

Fondly,
Mary Ann Odegaard

Fr. William Heric

January 15, 2016

Gail, Bobby and Family,

The news of Tom's unexpected death was terribly sad for me. I have had the good fortune to run into him on Mercer Island, and at St. James's Cathedral over the years. I enjoyed our conversations very much, especially the updates he would give me about Bobby. You have my deepest sympathies, condolences, and prayers as you go through this difficult loss.

Blessings of peace,

Thomas Frank

January 15, 2016

Gail: I can't even begin to express how sorry I am for your profound loss. Please know you and the boys are in my prayers.

Lesli Ann & George Cone

January 15, 2016

Gail & family,
We send our love and prayers over the tragic and sudden loss of Tom. May God surround you in His grace and love, bringing you comfort and peace. Earth has lost a wonderful person and Heaven has gained a beautiful soul. Treasure every precious memory as Tom as so unique and admired deeply by all who knew him.

Randy Altig

January 15, 2016

Gail, When I heard the news of Tom's passing my heart wept for you and your family. Although he was a new friend to me, I was non the less so grateful to be the recipient of his unending kindness on our trip to Rome last spring. I will never forget that. I pray for Gods healing and comfort to your heart during this difficult time.

Bev Loken

January 15, 2016

I worked at Davis Wright and knew Tom. He was a wonderful person. May God surround his family with the peace only He can give us.

Clover Leaves 19730518

Richard Erdman Kim

January 14, 2016

I am very saddened to read about Tom's passing. I knew Tom from our days as students at Hudtloff Junior High in Lakewood. Unfortunately, we went to different high schools and lost contact. I found this article about Tom in the last newspaper from our high schools when they did a combined edition of the Lakes Ledger and Clover Leaves.

Judy Neuman

January 14, 2016

Gail,
Tom was so special in many ways. What I most enjoyed about him was his quick wit, kind and generous nature and his ability to make us feel as if we were so much more special than we ever thought we were. I will miss him dearly!
In Judaism we say " may his memory be a blessing" and I know it will be for you and your family and all who knew him.
Keeping you in my prayers,

Robert Spector

January 14, 2016

I first got to know Tom a few years ago, working with him and Mary Ann Odegaard on the annual "Icons of Retail" event, for which Tom was the MC. I thoroughly enjoyed all of my 1:1 conversations with Tom over after-work drinks at Shuckers. What a great, generous sense of humor. Whenever I think of Tom. I see him with a smile on his face. R.I.P.

Denise Katz

January 14, 2016

Gail, I'm so sad to hear the news. My heart breaks for you and your boys. Love and prayers for you!
Denise

Tom, college years at the UofW

Dave Lee

January 14, 2016

Maggie and I are heartbroken to hear of Tom's death. Tom was a dear friend to us in college and as many will attest, brought out the best in all of those around him. His faith, humor, intelligence and love for others brought light into our lives! That light will continue to shine in all of us who know and love him!

Dave & Maggie Lee

Tom, college years at the U0f W

Dave Lee

January 14, 2016

Tom, college years at the UofW

Dave Lee

January 14, 2016

Bill and Lisa Gage

January 14, 2016

Shocked at the news of Tom's passing! Absolutely heartbreaking! Hugs to you and the boys..keeping you in our thoughts.

January 14, 2016

Gail -

I was very sadden to hear of the tragic news of Tom's passing. He and I enjoyed a great dinner discussion at the Gala this fall, and he was always so warm and welcoming to me. This is clearly a James trait and it resides in the dna of great leaders, husbands, fathers, and good friends.

Our best to you and your family during this difficult time.
M. Righi

Bob Hyland

January 14, 2016

To the James family:

I had the privilege and pleasure of knowing and working with Tom for 20 years. Not only was a top notch Attorney he was also a top notch human being. I also considered him a friend. I will miss him greatly. My deepest sympathy to you all. May your fond memories of him sustain you at this time and in the years ahead.

Most sincerely

Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary

January 14, 2016

Dear Gail and Family,
We Sisters send you our sympathy and supportive prayers as Tom enters his eternal life. May his new life in God's Presence bring great peace to you all.

Clayton Doherty

January 14, 2016

Dear Gail,
We have never met, nor has Tom ever mentioned me. I met Tom 40 years ago, but only knew him for 1 year at Clover Park High School before we both graduated and went our separate ways. It is never easy to move to a new school especially in your senior year, but Tom was a huge part of welcoming this kid from Montana to CP, getting me to audition for swing choir, which ultimately changed my life forever. I have experienced a rich life working in the performing arts ever since and made the world a better place for so many. People never reflect on things when we are alive, it's only when we are gone that the memories come flooding in. So on reflection, I owe Tom so much and have nothing to offer but for his family and friends to realize how much his life meant to so many, so far away. Even a kid from Montana. My prayers and thoughts are with you and yours.

John Bell

January 14, 2016

Tom was a delight to work with and he was an expert at negotiating very complex and difficult real estate transactions. Tom will be greatly missed and his work for us at Starbucks will be remembered and appreciated always.

My heart goes out to his wife, two sons and other family members.

Laurie Cuaresma

January 14, 2016

Gail, I can't begin to tell you how shocked and saddened I was by the news of Tom's passing. Please know that you and the boys, and all of Tom's family, are in our thoughts and prayers. Laurie (Haralson) Cuaresma & Family

Colleen Vlahovich

January 13, 2016

Gail,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Please take care of yourself and when you have a clear night... look up in the sky for the new star "twinkling" down on you.
Hugs, Colleen Crowley-Vlahovich

Mary Rafanelli Cote

January 13, 2016

Gail, I am so sorry to hear this news for your family. I will keep all of your family in my prayer. May your memories of a well lived life give you comfort.

Allison Terenzio-Ruiz

January 13, 2016

I cannot even find the words to express how heartbroken we are. Tom was such a huge part of my life, and embraced my family like part of his own. Gail, Tommy and Bobby - we love you! May you find comfort and peace.
Love always, Allison

Fr. Rick Spicer

January 13, 2016

I too am stunned to hear of Tom's untimely passing and wish to express my condolences to Rose and Jane. I remember Tom well from our days of growing up together on Douglas Drive in Lakewood. The last time we saw each other was his freshman year at UW when I was in grad school there. You are in my prayers!

January 13, 2016

Gail knowing that your grief is at it worst right now, may it help to know that your angel "Tom" is with you, and your family.
He is right by your side holding you, and watching over you at this time of your sorrow!
Love and Prayers to you and your family;
Cindy(Spaccarotelli) & Joe Cafaro

Patty Lovejoy Lilly

January 13, 2016

Dear Gail,
Sending you and your family our deepest sympathy. Know that we wrap our arms around your hearts and keep you in our prayers.
With love, Patty Lovejoy Lilly and Family

Matt Rudolf

January 13, 2016

Gail, we love you and words can not express the sadness. We can only remember those that Tom touched and the class and smile in which he did. May it continue to light our paths forwards.

Peace,

Matt and Amy Rudolf

Laura Plough

January 13, 2016

Gail, I am so very sorry to learn of Tom's passing. Please know that you, the boys and all of Tom's family are in my prayers.
-Laura HNA '76

January 13, 2016

To All the James Family I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I will always remember his beautiful voice at St. Frances Cabrini choir. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Cal and Christine Young

Michael Hanke

January 13, 2016

We are so sad to hear of Tom's passing,our heart felt sympathy goes out to Gail and her family in this hour of sadness. Michael and Line Hanke.

Jan Teague

January 13, 2016

Tom was a great person in so many ways. I enjoyed working with him and listening to what he thought about politics. Tom sat on the Board of Directors of the Washington Retail Association for 20 years. He was such a good idea man and everyone enjoyed his laughter and his stories. He will be missed by us all.

Tad Harmon

January 13, 2016

Leave it to Tom to once again bring us together in the spirit of love and brotherhood.

I'm not sure I've met another man who was as bright, vital, funny and committed to excellence as Tom James. He meant the world to me at a time when I needed someone to look up to. He is and will continue to be in my thoughts and in my fondest memories.

I am so very sorry.

Carl Smith

January 13, 2016

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Jenny Crouch Smith

January 13, 2016

Tom was our fearless leader at Clover Park High School, Class of '73, in Lakewood WA. He was our ASB President and a member of our award winning Choirs. His essence shall be missed.

Paul and Shelly Capeloto

January 13, 2016

Dear Gail and family,
Thinking of you and sending our love and prayers your way.
We wish you heartfelt condolences. There are not enough words to describe Tom and what a great loss to many his passing is. All our best.

Jacquie Perry

January 13, 2016

Gail, our hearts are just broken for you and the boys. Such a tragic loss of such an incredible spirit. May the sparkle that lived in Tom's eyes guide you through this horribly difficult time.
Our love,
Jeff and Jacquie

Dave & Maggie Lee

January 13, 2016

Tricia Elsner

January 12, 2016

So sad to hear of Tom's accident. My thoughts and prayers are with Rose, Jane, Dan and family, Gail and her sons. I have great memories of growing up next door to the James'and spending time at the house. So sorry I will not be able to attend the service but will be thinking of you.

Kathleen Elsner-Madsen

January 12, 2016

"Tenderly may time heal your sorrow
Gently may friends ease your pain
Softly may peace replace heartaches
And may warmest memories remain"
My deepest condolences and love to Rose, Jane and Dan and Tom's wife and children. I grew up next door to Tom in Lakewood, our families were very close back in the day. I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing.

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