James Leonard Tweten

Jim, often known affectionately as "Jimmy Joe", born on June 7th, 1951, unexpectedly passed away on November 3, 2020. He is survived by his father, Leonard Tweten, stepmother Rebecca, daughter Andrea Ford, granddaughter Madison, his loving partner, Renee Carter and her children Nathan & Ava, sisters Janet Houston (Jim) and Nancy Crowe (Terry). He leaves behind his nieces Lauren & Kristi Houston and Kelley Crowe as well as many relatives and friends. Preceding him in death was his mother, Eileen, brother Scott and son, Jamie Tweten. Jim and family grew up in Edmonds, Wa. where he graduated from Edmonds High School. He attended the University of Washington, majoring in business. After a year as a ski instructor in Aspen, Colorado, Jim returned to Seattle in 1972 and became very involved in the family business, Magnolia Hi Fi & Video, which his father started in 1954. He began working in the second Magnolia store in the Roosevelt district warehouse, delivering and installing stereo systems and selling hi-fi gear. Jim brought insight and enthusiasm into the music and electronics youth culture. He immediately found his passion, enjoying seeing people's eyes light up when he introduced new cutting edge products. The switch to stereo proved to be great timing, coming at the dawn of the 1970's home stereo revolution.Together, father and son pioneered the home theater concept where they were known throughout the industry. They expanded to18 locations throughout the Pacific Northwest and in 2000 Magnolia was purchased by Best Buy.

In 1992, the elder Tweten handed off active day to day operations to son Jim, who became president and CEO. Magnolia Audio Video went on to become the most award winning electronic entertainment retailer in the nation and was inducted into the Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame in 2013.

Jim loved life! From the time Jim was a little boy and throughout his life, he had a zest for living and loved having a good time. He was an outstanding natural athlete who excelled in skiing and golf. Jim was an active member of the Bel Air Country Club, the Madison Club and Bighorn Golf Club. He and his then wife, Ilsa and their children enjoyed many years at their homes in Palm Desert, Seattle, Sun Valley and Aspen. Known for his tremendous charisma, Jim would light up a room with his smile and hearty laugh. He was endearing to the people who knew him, always giving more than he took, making people feel good when you were around him. As his good friends say, "Jim was a generous and caring soul. A good friend."

We're going to miss you, Jimmy Joe. The world is a better place because you were here. Private services will be held in his memory at a later date.

An online guestbook can be found on Legacy.com.