JAMES HOBBS SR.

1936 - 2021

James Hobbs Sr. passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2021 as the result of an inoperable tear in his aorta near his beautiful heart.

Jim was born December 18, 1936, in Mount Vernon, WA joining his parents Arthur and Lillian and his two older brothers, Bobby and Nathan Hobbs on the family farm in Burlington, WA.

Jim grew up loving all sports and any outdoor activities. Jim was an amazing athlete and sportsman- earning many awards and bagging many trophies. He hunted and fished for over 7 decades.

He graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1954- lettering in three sports each year. He attended W.S.U., but "was too far from water!" so he returned to Skagit Valley College, and then on to the U.W.

It was there he met his future wife- Glenda Lozier- on a date set up by their Phi Delta Theta and Tri Delta friends. He graduated from the University of Washington with a B.A. in Economics and a Teaching Certificate. He played baseball at all three schools.

Jim and Glenda were married on December 19, 1959. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard, graduated from Washington Military Academy OCS, and served 6 years.

After working in Seattle- while Glenda finished her education- they moved back to Mount Vernon with their daughters Kim and Kristl. Jim Jr. arrived to complete the family. Jim continued to play baseball into the late 70's-then coached and supported his kids and grandkids.

Jim worked with his dad- Art Hobbs- for the Teamsters Local 411 and was the Secretary Treasurer of the Local after his father retired. Negotiating, mediation, and diplomacy, were his expertise- working tirelessly for the rights of his clients. He continued as a negotiator for school districts and municipalities all over the state.

Jim was also passionate about serving his community. One of his proudest positions was as Hospital Commissioner for Skagit Regional Health Board for 34 years. He was honored to be a part of the growth, development, and achievements that the hospital and the community had made over the years.

He also served on the Mount Vernon School Board, Skagit Medical Bureau Board, Kiwanis Club, YMCA Board, and held positions with his churches- First Baptist Church and First Lutheran Church of Mount Vernon. He was also a volunteer driver for Skagit County Meals on Wheels.

Jim and Glenda loved to travel. They skied in Utah and Colorado, fished and toured Alaska, visited the beaches of Hawaii, went on an African Safari, toured China and Tibet, explored Australia and New Zealand, and experienced Ireland- Jim's heritage.

The many great fishing trips to Canada were standouts! As lifetime U.W. alumni and season ticket holders of 54 years- they logged many trips to Husky Stadium and bowl games.

Jim had many partners in adventure, friends and family that encouraged him his entire life. He always said that he loved his life, his friends, and his family. Jim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

He was a wise man, honest, fair, loving, kind, and FUN! The BEST kind of man! He will be missed. Jim was preceded in death by his parents- Arthur and Lillian Hobbs, his brothers- Bobby and Nathan Hobbs, and a niece- Sandra Hobbs.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years- Glenda; daughters- Kim Hobbs and Kristl Hobbs, son- Jim (Kristen) Hobbs Jr.; grandchildren- Hunter Torset, Spencer Byfield, Ellary Torset, Hadley Hobbs, Hudson Hobbs, Brady Warren, Baylie Warren; nieces- Nancy Hobbs Turner and Cindy Hobbs (Scott) Huff; nephews- Richard Hobbs and David (Kathy) Hobbs; cousins- Lavina Schmidt and Lillian Elliason, and a grand extended family.

Due to COVID restrictions, there was a family service on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Hawthorne Memorial Park. Your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated as we mourn the loss of Jim.

Our thanks to the doctors and nurses at Skagit Valley Hospital emergency room and ICU unit, Hospice of the Northwest nurses and staff, Nolana Worline RN, and Dr. Carl Berliner MD- all for their expert care for Jim.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to Skagit Regional Health Foundation, Mount Vernon Senior Center Meals on Wheels, Skagit Valley College Scholarship Foundation, or First Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund.

Please share your thoughts of Jim and sign the online guest register at www.hawthornefh.com

Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon.