James A. Andersen (Jimmy)

James A. Andersen, age 97, of Seattle, passed away on May 1, 2022. Son of a coal miner, Jimmy was the only child to James and Margaret Andersen. Born September 21, 1924 in Auburn, WA. Jimmy was a wise, strong yet gentle man. He was at peace in solitude but could liven up a dinner party with his stories. A self-described workaholic, he loved his work. Jimmy attended Daniel Bagley Grade School in Seattle, Green Park Elementary School in Walla Walla and graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1942. He enrolled at the University of Washington and then his studies were interrupted. He enlisted in the US Army in 1943. Jim was assigned to Company C, 63rd Armored Infantry Battalion of the 11th Armored Division as a rifleman in General George Patton's Third Army. After being seriously wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, he became a disabled veteran at the young age of 21. He received the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Purple Heart and an honorable discharge from military service. The war had a profound effect on him and shaped him. His dreams of being a track star vanished yet something bigger became of it.

After a year in hospitals in Europe and Walla Walla, he returned to the University of Washington earning a B.A. in Political Science and then a law degree also from UW. Jim was admitted to the Bar in 1953, married the love of his life, Billiette, and settled in Clyde Hill raising their two children. Jim started his law career as a King County deputy prosecuting attorney. In 1956 at the age of 31, he resigned from the prosecutor's office and filed for election to the office of Washington State Attorney General. This was his only election defeat of his career. He then joined the law firm of Lycette, Diamond, and Sylvester and eventually formed his own Seattle law firm of Clinton, Moats, Andersen, and Fleck. During private practice, he realized public service was his calling. He was elected to the State House of Representatives (1958-67) then in the State Senate (1967-1972). He once said, "Those were the last days of real 'citizens' legislature, when neighbors paid you the honor of electing you, you closed up your store or office for 60 days, went to Olympia and then returned home". When it turned into a full-time job is when he resigned and made the choice of law over politics. In 1975, Jim was appointed to the Washington Court of Appeals in Seattle by Governor Dan Evans and in 1984 he was appointed to the Washington State Supreme Court by Governor John Spellman. He eventually retired as Chief Justice of the Washington State Supreme Court in 1995.

Jim was an avid reader, gardener and loved to hike the Cascades. He remained true to his coal mining beginnings, somewhat shy among strangers, always going directly to the point and often colorful in his responses. He was a loving son, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend. His grandsons were his pride and joy, and he was happiest when he was with them or could hear stories about them. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Margaret and his wife Billiette. He is survived by his children, Jim Andersen and Tia (Randy) Cantrell and his three grandsons, Sam, Joe and Timmy Cantrell.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Horizon House and Evergreen Hospice for the care and compassion they showed during his final days. A private family memorial will be held. Remembrances may be sent in his name to Fisher House Foundation.