James William Kukull

1947 - 2021

Born to Winnie and Tony Kukull, May 3, 1947, Jim was joyfully welcomed by brother, Walter, sister, Ethel Ann, and a host of loving relatives. Jim thrived on the country life which contributed to a lifelong appreciation of nature and the great outdoors.

Jim started 1st grade at Getchell School, 2 rooms with 3 grades in each room. Seventh grade brought the transfer to Marysville for middle and high school, with graduation in 1965. The middle school, (Lincoln Building) and the High School building were irreparably damaged by the spring earthquake in 1965 so many final classes were held in school buses.

Jim continued his education at the University of Washington where he joined the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He graduated in 1969 with a degree in Business Administration, and emphasis in International Finance. He enlisted in the Army, and attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was commissioned, later reaching the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the infantry.

Upon completion of his tour of duty in the Army, he attended Western Washington University for a degree in accounting. He became a CPA and joined Coopers and Lybrand, working both in Alaska and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He returned to Washington, and settled in Kirkland, working for Dodd Wing Accounting and ultimately opened his own firm in 1984 as a CPA and ASA, maintaining the practice until spring of 2021.

Jim married the love of his life, Cathy Nelson, in 1982. They spent wonderful years together, sharing interests in traveling, art, gardening and, last but not least, fishing for salmon and steelhead. Cathy did not know or care about fishing, but Jim taught her how to cast, and she caught a steelhead to second time out. (It is rumored from then on Cathy reigned supreme in the number of fish caught.) Fishing became a passion, and they enjoyed many trips in Southwest Washington and Tillamook, Oregon. They built a vacation cabin on the banks of the Cowlitz River where they were able to spend time fishing and relaxing. One of Jim's neighbors had a live camera feed of the river, and Jim could switch the picture to his desk monitor for a little refresher.

One of the best fruits of their fishing trips was heavenly smoked salmon and steelhead that the family looked forward to at Christmas. Sadly, Cathy passed away in October of 2011.

Jim will be remembered by the family for his quick wit and great sense of humor, as well as his integrity, strength. He wanted to be known as the benevolent uncle to nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, remembering with love the generosity of his own aunts over his lifetime.

Jim left us May 14, 2021. He is survived by brother Walter Kukull (Diane) and sister, Ethel Ann Greyerbiehl (Garry); nieces and nephews Megan Kukull, Travis Kukull (Rachel), Dr. Ben Kukull, Cindy Greyerbiehl, Greg Greyerbiehl, Melinda Peterson (Charley,) Jeff Greyerbiehl (Kealy), and Clarissa Cole, nine great nieces and nephews, and Cathy's daughter, Juli Comer.

Fond memories will sustain as we look forward to the time we will meet again. Please share your memories with us. A celebration of Jim's life will be held later this summer. Remembrances in Jim's name may be made to your favorite charity.

May 3, 1947 - May 14, 2021