John Raymond "Jack" Koetje

1937 - 2025

Mount Vernon - John "Jack" Raymond Koetje, 88, a lifelong resident of Mount Vernon, Washington, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025.

Jack was born in Anacortes, Washington, on October 17, 1937, to John and Mina Koetje. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1957 and went on to attend Spokane Technical College. His early career took him to Boeing, where he worked as a draftsman. He contributed to the design of the 727 airliner with a number of component designs. Though proud of that work, Jack soon realized that life behind a desk wasn't for him. He returned home to join his father at Western Lime Company, later taking over and running the business into the 1980s.

In the mid-1980s, Jack found a new calling on the waters of Bristol Bay, Alaska, as a commercial fisherman. His love for the sea grew into a lifelong pursuit - he acquired a boat and fishing permit, and around 1990, he built his own boat, The Warrior, in Mount Vernon. Jack captained The Warrior throughout the 1990s until 2004, working hard and finding joy in the independence of the fishing life.

Jack met the love of his life, Judy Jenner, in British Columbia, Canada. They were married in Sussex, England, in 1965 and shared 60 wonderful years together filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Together they raised three children and built a life rich in family, music, and friendship.

Jack was a devoted member of Salem Lutheran Church and the Washington Old Time Fiddlers. He cherished time spent playing music, woodworking and building things with his hands, and swapping stories with friends over a cup of coffee.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy; daughter Sarah (Jeff) Parker and their daughter Emily; sons Martin (Stacie) Koetje and Robin (Stefani) Koetje and their daughters Dorothea and Daphne; sisters Gloria (Merrill) Camp and Tammy Conrad; and many extended family members and friends. Jack was preceded in death by his parents John and Mina Koetje; brothers Paul and Emerson; sister Mary Ann; and his grandson Nathan Parker.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon. All are welcome to attend and share memories of Jack's remarkable life.

Jack's legacy lives on through his family, his craftsmanship, and the countless people whose lives he touched with kindness and laughter.