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Jim Zervas Obituary

Jim Zervas, born Aug. 18, 1926 in Milwaukee to Emma and Walter Zervas, passed away this Nov. 2nd at 6 P.M. at the New Hospice, in the arms of his wife Jacqueline and their children. It was a sunny day and his son Claude had pushed his bed outside for a few moments in the sun. Earlier, a beautiful coyote had come by and gone into the woods. Later that night, a bright planet shone above Jim's room. His five children, Christopher, Claude, Dominique, Dawn, Fabienne and his wife Jacqueline are grief-stricken, and his six grandchildren, Yvette, Nicole, Pascal, Didier, Stefano and Arianna will miss him. Jim was an architect and architecture was his passion. His year at Taliesen with Frank Lloyd Wright had changed his life, and further did a 3-month trip to Spain, Italy and Paris with his brother Wally. Jim called Paris "the queen of the cities" and dreamt of living there. But he never retired from his work or from the community efforts he gave to Bellingham and Whatcom County he loved. Thanks to him and his vision of the future, we have beautiful parks and the Mt. Baker Theatre. Jim began work in the Northwest on the construction of Haggard Hall at the W.W.S.C., with architect Paul Thiery, the "father of modernism" in the Pacific Northwest. In 1961, he started a practice for about one year with George Bartholick, who introduced him to Emil Olson, the contractor. He had lived in a little cabin at Strawberry Point where he could canoe and swim. But on August 31st, 1961, he married Jacqueline and moved with her to the 1884 homestead where she lived. They stayed there 49 years, a "Fairy Tale House" for all who came. Eventually, he had his architect studio in the barn, but that is the subject of another story! Jim's children adored him. He had read the "Great Books" but to them he loved to read Winnie the Pooh, Edward Lear, Tarzan and Huckleberry Finn. He played the guitar and the harmonica and sang Burl Ives songs to them. There was no TV at the homestead, but there was music, reading, laughing, giant paintings, weaving, sewing, knitting, building blocks and Tinker Toy creations, there were puppet and magic shows; yes, besides being a beautiful swimmer and ice skater, Jim had been a magician since the age of 11! There was nature, with bears, coyotes and deer that shared with us apples, berries and sometimes cats. Jim had camped with his brother Wally in Northern Wisconsin. Here, he had climbed Mt. Baker. But with his family, he ice skated on the small ponds, skied on the little slopes of the homestead and camped and hiked. Everywhere he went, Jim sketched with pen and ink. He loved music and dreamt of playing the cello. He loved the Whatcom Symphony and two weeks before he died wanted to make sure to buy season tickets. He studied French every day and with audio tapes in his car. Jim was opened to the world and the works of other architects such as Rem Koolhaas, Calatrava and others from Mexico to Japan. Last year, he discovered with real pleasure the "museum of the quai Branly" by Jean Nouvel and in San Diego at U.C.S.D., the Salk Institute by Louis Kahn. Jim was fastidious and a hard worker, but his life was filled with adventure. There will be a memorial on Monday, Nov. 22 at 4:00 p.m. at the Mt. Baker Theatre. Thanks to all the staff at Hospice for their kind and wonderful care. Memorials for Jim may be made to Hospice.

Published by Bellingham Herald on Nov. 18, 2010.
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As a young woman in '69 I was living
communily and thank goodness I was. One of the people there knew the Zeras family well enough to be invited, along with the rest of us, to their farm. I took away with me the knowledge that family is most important and always loving. All of us roamed the farm singley and in ever changing groups. Except Jim who was in his studio working who put in occational appearances. I remember the warmeth of the sun and the company, nature's colors along side family creations, eating fresh honey most of which I wound up wearing. At dusk a fire was built and we stared at the wonder of the stars.
Thak yo for that time and all it has meant to me over the years. We will all miss Jim and I extent my deepest sympathy to you Jacquelin and your family.
Lindsay

November 25, 2010

It is hard to put into a few words all of the things that Jim taught me, but the most important ones are not even about architecture. I never heard him complain, say something negative about another person, or raise his voice. He always had time for anyone who knocked on his door, and he was infinitely patient. I only now realize how lucky I was to work with him for nearly 20 years. The office will always feel a little empty now.

Sharon Robinson

November 21, 2010

For the past 25 years Jim has been my business partner and mentor. Jim taught me the importance of community involvement and activism. He led by example, as evidenced by his legacy with the Mount Baker Theatre, Whatcom County Parks and R/UDAT. He has been an inspiration and will be greatly missed.

Michael Smith

November 21, 2010

I was so fortunate to have worked for Jim. Although, it was just three short years, he had quite an impact on my life. He will be greatly missed...but with very fond memories.

Lynda Hinton

November 20, 2010

I first met Jim through my father Marvin Southcott, also a designer. In the 1970's I knew him as the father of Dominique, Dawn, Claude and Chris...not having met the other siblings at the time. In the 1980's his work with the Mt Baker Theatre was crucial to its success, I remember him distinctly as he graciously greeted supporters at the Theatre. When with TransformerCAD we filmed a CAE/CADD video for the Synthesis software product in the Zervas Architect offices across from the Library, he was a friend of Hiroshi Takaki, and Claude was one of our programmers for about 2 years. He and Jacqueline appeared several years at the Muzzy's famous "Garden Party." Jim and Jaqueline's family are creative, entrepreneurial, beautiful people that enrich the world around them... a wonderful legacy. In my experience Jim was ever the calm quietly smiling man, ready to quip a quick joke, or seriousy consider a point of view. My kindest regards to his wife and children.

Layne Arthur Southcott

November 19, 2010

Jacqueline & family,
Billie B. gave us the sad news of Jim's passing. Such a life well lived filled with creativity & the love of family!
You are in our thoughts & we hope you find comfort in the many wonderful memories of your years together.
Your former Nosecone neighbors,

Mary Jo & Tom

November 19, 2010

Jim was an excellent employer and patient mentor. I will miss his critiques and conversation greatly.

Andrew Krzysiek

November 18, 2010

I always enjoyed his quiet wisdom. He had an interesting life in a beautiful place.

John Denooyer

November 18, 2010

I met Jim in 1983 at the first public meeting called by the fledgling Mount Baker Theatre Committee in 1983. I joined the committee that night and have worked ever since for the vision Jim set forward that night--for a community arts center, housed in an extraordinary old building, that could be a regional performing arts and film center, and stimulate the love of the arts in this region. Subsequently, I was a member of the committee that worked with Jim in the late nineties on a new long range plan for the theatre, one that has been very influential in guiding the efforts of the Theatre's board, and continues to shape plans for the Theatre's future. I loved getting to know Jim, and talking and working with him. His loss is a huge one for this community, but his legacy will serve us and the children of the region for generations to come.

Daniel Larner

November 18, 2010

I met Jim in 1983 at the first public meeting called by the fledgling Mount Baker Theatre Committee in 1983. I joined the committee that night and have worked ever since for the vision Jim set forward that night--for a community arts center, housed in an extraordinary old building, that could be a regional performing arts and film center, and stimulate the love of the arts in this region. Subsequently, I was a member of the committee working on the effort Jim lead in the late nineties to create a new long range plan for the theatre, one that has been very influential in guiding the efforts of the Theatre's board, and continues to shape plans for the Theatre's future. I loved getting to know Jim, and talking and working with him. His loss is a huge one for this community, but his legacy will serve us and the children of the region for generations to come.

Daniel Larner

November 18, 2010

I enjoyed speaking with Jim only the few times we worked together on projects for WTA, but I am sad not to hear his kind and gentle advice again in the ZGA offices. May the joys of his long life with you soon overtake your grief at his passing.

George Banning

November 18, 2010

Just found out this a.m. through the Herald (online) of the passing of your Husband and father. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Its hard when we lose family members, those that you love and hold dearly. I remember the times that I've had the opportunity to engage him in conversation. I remember Jim as being a soft spoken man. As well as the fond meories I have on my visits to the "homestead". I'm sure he was very proud of all of you. My prayers to Jehovah and heartfelt sorrow to your family. Sincerely,

Michael Ancheta

November 18, 2010

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Its hard to lose family members, people that you love and hold dearly. I remember the few times that I've had the opportunity to engage him in conversation. I remember him as being soft spoken man. As well as the fond memories I have of the times I was able to visit the "homestead". I'm sure he was very proud of all of you. My prayers to Jehovah and heartfelt sorrow to you and your family.

Michael Ancheta

November 18, 2010

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