James Edward Stivason

James Edward Stivason 1958-2025
Jim had a powerful love for anything relating to Harley Davidson and had a passion for a nice work truck displaying the name of his drywall business. James Stivason, 66, Mt. Vernon, WA died at Skagit Valley Hospital from complications from sepsis and respiratory issues, on May 1, 2025
He was born in Anchorage, Alaska in 1958 to James R and Mary M. Stivason. Jim moved in with his beloved grandparents, William G and Leona Benston as a teenager. This devasted his mom, but at the time it was the best decision for Jim.
For most of Jim's school years, he lived on Pioneer Dr. Burlington Washington. He lived in a great family neighborhood, where he and all the kids could be seen playing football in Dr. King's large front yard, swimming in Ronnie Hodgins backyard pool or just hanging out having good ol' fashion "kid-fun". Jim attended Lucille Umbarger School and then moved onto to be a Burlington Edison Tiger, graduating in the class of 1977. He started his drywall career with Gordon Grimley and eventually ventured out on his own and started his drywall business called "Stivason Drywall". He became very talented in his trade and was well known on Bainbridge Island as a skilled laborer. He was very proud of his work, and doing a good job was important to him. He equally loved his big trucks, with the business name (Stivason Drywall) on the side and his "Mudguy" license plate.
At the time of Jim's passing, he was single. He had two lovely wives and many women who loved his spirit. With his first wife Gail Henry, he had one daughter, Jaime Marie. At times, their relationship was quite tenuous, but he loved her very much, along with his grandson Theo.
Everyone who knew Jim knows how much he loved to ride his Harley. Unfortunately for Jim, In September 2018, he had a horrible motor vehicle accident that almost took his life. He spent 3-months in Harborview in an induced coma to help him recover from his critical injuries. When he was released, he was never the same happy go lucky Jim he used to be. His changed life was cause for him to have to leave his beloved home on Bainbridge Island, he loved the island and all the friendships he developed over the years. But he could no longer care for himself, so he moved a little closer to his mom, Mary, who assisted with his day-to-day living and errands. They had breakfast together every Saturday morning and played cards to keep his brain stimulated. It is something my mom already misses.
Jim was preceded in death by James R Stivason (dad), William Guy Benston (grandfather), Leona Benston (grandmother) Juanita Gurd (grandmother) and other aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his mom, Mary Adkins, brother Jeff Stivason (Melissa), sister Teresa Flinn (Chris), daughter Jaime Marie, grandson Theo, two nieces Morgan Thompson (Kyle) and Molle Flinn.
We may have a small celebration of life later this summer (2025). To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James, please visit our Tree Store.