Jim was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, near the Mississippi River. As a child, he was a hard worker. He even sold pretzels to people in cars while standing on a busy corner at 12 years old.

Following his graduation from St. Louis University, he enlisted in the Air Force where he met his wife, Lt. Lynn Tjerne, in Wichita Falls, TX, home of Sheppard Air Force Base. Jim earned a Masters in Logistics Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology. During his logistics career, they had fascinating overseas assignments in Thailand, Okinawa, and Iran. They loved their 20 years serving as a military family.

After Jim's retirement, he worked for the American Institute in Taiwan as an advisor to the Republic of China Air Force. In 1991, Jim and family moved to Monroe (Lynn's hometown) where he started Sky Valley Taxi, a one-man operation for nine years. As a result, he became more concerned about the many challenges people faced - and he took action.

During this time, a family member became seriously mentally ill. Jim joined the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and for 30 years dedicated himself to improving the lives of those affected by mental illness. A true humanitarian, Jim was also an enthusiastic volunteer for many causes big and small. Jim impacted many peoples' lives and local policies through his dedication and hard work. He also dedicated many hours to environmental causes.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lynn; children Judi, Emily (Matt Gladden), Frank; grandchildren John, Olive, Sebastian; and his brother, Robert (Carol Bloss). He was preceded in death by his parents (Francis and Alice Bloss) and his in-laws (Gordon and Elsie Tjerne).

For 56 years, Jim was a loving husband and golf partner. He was a devoted role model in patience and unconditional love to his children and grandchildren. He loved his parish at St. Mary of the Valley.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sept. 29 from 2:00-4:00 (doors open at 1:30 to socialize) at St. Mary of the Valley Catholic Church in Monroe, WA. Please RSVP by calling (360) 794-3786.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Sno-Isle National Alliance on Mental Illness, St. Vincent de Paul (Monroe), or Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center where he was treated for pancreatic cancer. At Jim's request, his ashes will be buried with his parents in St. Louis.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Herald (Everett) from Sep. 7 to Sep. 8, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for James Bloss

8 Entries

Connie Goss

March 28, 2025

Jim was an important and beloved member the Monroe Arts Council for years. He was always the first to volunteer for tasks others were reluctant to sign up for - even when his health was in decline. He was a great adviser and an encouragement to me in everything I did for the organization. I still marvel at his heart for service to the community. The photo shows Jim at the kids' craft table at Movies Under the Moon at Lake Tye Park in 2023; the movie was Top Gun, so of course he was there to teach the youngsters how to make a first-rate paper airplane. Look at those beaming faces. Godspeed, Jim.

S. Karam

October 14, 2024

Jim and I were cousins, growing up in St. Louis, Missouri. My husband and I moved to Washington State and we reconnected with Jim, his wife Lynn and their family.

Being with JIm and Lynn from time to time and receiving email from him over several years, Jim shared his wisdom, observations, knowledge, cleverness, concerns, and cares.. He reminisced about our shared family history, his time in the Air Force and his meeting Lynn. He loved his family. I saw in Jim the kindness and enthusiasm of his mother and father.

Through Jim´s many interests, friends and contacts, and his activism, Jim truly "made a difference." God gave Jim a good lfe and he made the best of it.

Roger Bacon

September 24, 2024

To Lynn and Family: Jim was a public servant in the highest sense. He believed in governance, was open to other opinions, and offered historical perspective on a multitude of Issues being considered by boards and committees we served together on. He was truly a man for all seasons!
All our condolences at his passing. May God bless and keep you. Roger Bacon

Michael Lorio

September 23, 2024

Jim was a trailblazer who cleared the way for those who came after him. His humor and wit made it easier for others to talk about hard things. His care and vision has made Monroe and Snohomish County a better place to live. I am very grateful for the mentoring he gave me over the years. He was always willing to share a story or two, or ten if he thought it could help. I rejoice for the Kingdom of Heaven, where he is already back to work I am sure, but sorrowful for the community of Earth which needs more men like him.

Mark Rohde

September 22, 2024

Jim´s intelligence, wit, energy, dedication, and concern for the welfare of others stand out as I remember him. In the two years that I knew him as a co-leader of Snohomish Citizens Climate Lobby, I always had the sense that Jim knew he was living on `borrowed time´ and that drove him to contribute as much as he could. He was a constant reminder of all that is good in the world.

Ellie Gittelman

September 22, 2024

As one of the co-state coordinators for Citizens' Climate Lobby, and I wanted to share our gratitude for Jim's work with CCL. He had 10 ideas for every one of mine and the energy and perseverance to see them through! His life is an undying inspiration to me.

Susan Johnson Clore

September 7, 2024

Dear Lynn and family, I was sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He accomplished a lot over his lifetime and touched many lives. Prayers are with you all.

Love Sue Johnson

Joe Sparr

September 7, 2024

I'm very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I worked with Jim on the Monroe growth management committee years ago. I remember Jim as kind, patient, deliberate, positive, and full of life. He mentioned that he started the taxi business partly in order to get to know his new home community. What a brilliant way to do it! I'm sorry and sad for his family. I sure he was deeply treasured.

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