James "Jim" Paola

Praying the family is holding strong , and James in a beautiful place xo

Love from your family in Italy

I first met Jim when he stepped aboard the vessel as my Chief Mate in Valdez Alaska. I was impressed with Jim´s maretime experience. He later described his travels around the world. His work with his rentals. The detail of his travels, down to the minute tricks and savings. His abilities and athleticism work ethic led me and others to encouraging Jim to transfer divisions. Jim gravitated to the ship assist and escort in the Puget Sound. He trained up and became an accomplished ship assist...

My thoughts and prayers to your family! I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Christina Haring-Larson

Jim, I don´t even know where to begin. My sadness is massive. We had so much fun getting into trouble in high school. If that Mazda truck of your dad´s could talk, lol. You were such a kind, amazing and caring guy. The world was a better place with you in it. I am sorry I can´t be there to see you off tomorrow but I will be there in spirit. Love ya! Dennis Johnson

Jim hosted me several times when I would ride along on the boats, especially the Chief. It was always fun to talk to him and hear about his experiences, his travels and to watch him make boat handling look easy. The last ride was an unexpected one - the boat I was riding on was called to another job up north, so the crew passed me over to the Chief to get me back to the dock, just as Jim was coming on watch. It was night, and the Tacoma lights were beautiful. I can't remember what we...

To the Paola Family. I first want to express my deepest sympathy for your loss. I first met Jim when he attended my training classes for Crowley Mariners 15 years ago, but I really got to know him better when I joined the Ship Assist group in 2015 and attended his audits on the Tug Chief. It was there that Jim and I discovered we shared a great love of travel, history, and culture. We had Italy and Africa in common. I always admired Jim's free and adventurous spirit and am thankful...

Dear Paula, we were so shocked to hear of Jim's death. He was a wonderful son, missed by all who knew him. God bless you and your family, prayers for all. Bob and Elaine