Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Jim Stapleton Obituary
Seattle, WA - Jim B. Stapleton, aged 55, passed away from natural causes on Monday, August 26, 2019 in Seattle, WA. Although sudden, it was peaceful and likely related to an ongoing heart condition.
Jim was born on July 24, 1964 in Lansing, Michigan to parents Jim H. and Alicia B. Stapleton. He grew up with his sisters Lara and Sara in East Lansing. Jim spent much of his childhood in and out of swimming pools: 10 years with the Golden Serpents Swim Club and 4 years with the East Lansing High School swim team. He moved to Seattle in the early 90s and later was blessed with a third sister when cousin Annie Stapleton Scheuher joined the immediate family in 1995 upon the loss of her parents.
In 2002, he married Tracey Cunningham. He loved to make her laugh, and he excelled at it.
Jim graduated Alma College with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and later earned a Master's Degree from Seattle University in Existential Phenomenological Psychology. He worked in social services for many years and most recently as a mental health counselor at Neighborcare in Seattle, WA.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Tracey, his parents, Jim Sr. and Alicia, sisters Lara, Sara and Annie, his beloved nieces, Mia and Isabel, his amazingly loud in-laws the Cunninghams, and about 8 thousand good friends.
He will be remembered for his big, soft heart, his sharp wit, and his passion for sports and politics and tv and the Beatles. He started playing the guitar at the age of 13 and never stopped. Music was as much a part of him as breathing.
A Seattle memorial will take place in early October. Please email his sister Sara at [email protected] for details.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Neighborcare Health, the ACLU or your favorite progressive political candidate. And, of course, cheer for the Seattle Seahawks and the Michigan State Spartans.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jim Stapleton
1 Entry
Ron Wandover
October 11, 2024
I have been dealing with the shock of his death all week--five years hence. I don't know why it effected so. It's been decades since we've lived in the same city. I know Jim primarily as a musician. I was in a band with him and his friend Dejuan Skelton back in the 90s. I don't know why this has got me in such a state. It's like we all live with the delusion things will go on forever. Well...no. They don't. I'm very sad to have missed out on his life. Despite what happened with our band, and his subsequent great disappointment--which I still feel culpable for--which is probably bordering on ridiculousness. I feel like I wish I could have made it up to him. For there was love there, regardless. And I feel a considerable loss.... P.S. I can still hear the neighbor Phil honking his car horn trying to compete with our unholy noise. Peace to you my brother...
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in Jim Stapleton's name
Memorial Events
for Jim Stapleton
How to support Jim's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jim Stapleton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
