James "Jim" Stansell

1923 - 2014

James Overton Stansell, "Jim", went home to his Lord on August 11, 2014, after 91 years. Jim was born in Dillon, Montana on May 19, 1923 to Overton Anderson Stansell and Lyda Bell Peer. He grew up in hard times, helping his father prospect, ranch and homestead. From an early age, he took on adult responsibilities, building or devising anything needed to help support his family. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1940, serving at the Great Falls, Montana camp, building state parks and trails and studying surveying. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1941, and headed for duty in Hawaii on the U.S.S. Hull, a destroyer based in Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 1941, Jim was getting ready to go ashore for church, when the attack on Pearl Harbor began. For three-and-a-half years, he saw action as part of the Anzac Forces in the Coral Sea, including battles at Bougainville, Guadalcanal, Attu and Kiska. He served on the U.S.S. Caution, a minesweeper, and was assigned to the amphibious forces during the invasion of Saipan. Jim spent 40 years as a heavy equipment operator and job superintendent on highway construction throughout the west, including several dams. He met and married a widow, Arlene Gawrys, in 1974, in Bellevue, WA and became a stepfather to her three daughters. Arlene was the love of his life. In 1993, Jim and Arlene moved to Bellingham to be close to their grandchildren. Jim became president of the North Cascades Chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors, an active group of more than 25 members at the time. Jim cherished this group, and meticulously collected each survivor's tale for posterity. He and Arlene spent their retirement years at craft shows around the county. Jim liked to work with his hands and made furniture and toys for his grandchildren. He made the most of what he had, and had a knack for making things work better. He enjoyed being useful and busy. Clever as always, Jim became competent on computers when he was 80, and wrote his own autobiography, That Is How It Was, which he had printed and distributed, complete with photos and updated a few years ago. Jim sent emails to several friends and family members every single day. We already miss those happy morning messages. Broken-hearted after Arlene died in 2005, Jim reached out and made many new friends, far too many to list here. He especially valued his association with the NAS Whidbey people, Pearl Harbor Survivors and friends, his Friday morning coffee group, the Ram Construction crew, neighbors and mall walkers. Despite several medical setbacks, he remained positive, outgoing and mentally sharp, with an exceptional memory. He felt grateful for his family and his life. He never asked for anything, and was embraced by his diverse group of friends and his beloved animals, kitty Spooky and dog Maggie, both of whom he arranged for new homes before he died. Jim is survived by daughters Susan Cole (Craig), Sally Andrews (Stuart) and Sandra Jones (James). He is blessed with seven grandchildren: Jacquelyn Cole, Christina Cole, Shanna Cole Jones (Perry), Sarah Whelchel (Matt), Kristen Jones, Madeleine Crabtree (Jared), Natalie Andrews and Mike Andrews. He has three great-grandchildren: Bria Crabtree, Mason and Easton Whelchel. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Jim's memory can be made to Faith Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice. Services will be held on Saturday, August 23 at 1 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 2750 McLeod Road, Bellingham. Rev. Sharon Swanson will be officiating. You may share memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.