Jim Deitz

Jim was invited home for one last ride on June 7, 2024, surrounded by family at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife, Debbie of 38 years, his children, Jimmy (Robin) Deitz, Jeff (Tammy) Deitz, JoAnna Boston (Josh) and Tami (JJ) Wilbur. He was also lucky enough to be blessed and know his 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren who brought a special sparkle to his eye; four siblings, Brenda Ashe and Judy Hazel, Teddy and Fred Pritchard.
He was preceded in death by his parents and older sister, Shirley Claybo.
Jim was born to Willis and Retha Deitz in North Carolina. At the age of three, his family made the move across the country to settle in the Upper Skagit Valley area where he continued to spend most of his life except for his time living in Alaska.
His younger sister remembers fondly her childhood best friend, family picnics with cousins and the occasional trip to the racetrack, it was about family. Could this be the roots of where his sense of adventure and passion for driving started? As a young man, he enjoyed hot rods and engines and had a few stories to tell about both. He never lost his passion for all things that drive. He started his racing adventure in the stock car class at Skagit sometime in 1966 and raced on and off since that time with many a summer spent working on cars or engines.
Jim was one of those men who has dabbled in a bit of everything. From working in the woods or spot welding as a young man, to getting in an extended cab pickup truck with an 8-foot camper on it and four other guys headed to Alaska to work on the pipeline together for big dreams and big adventures! After the pipeline, he also spent some time fishing in the Bering Sea before returning to the Skagit Valley.
If it had wheels on it, he probably drove it, dump truck, log truck or his own truck, complete with a trucking business. He spent a lifetime from one end of the county to the other. He did a lot of learning and living, which is probably why he was known for his entertaining stories, some of which those who knew him best had the privilege of hearing on more than one occasion. Like when in Alaska and the bear cub crawled into the cab of his truck and shared his lunch, the proof is in the pictures.
Racing is the bridge that brought family together, one of most cherished memories of his oldest son, is when the three of them raced all in same heat race, Jeff was in the lead, Jimmy was in second Dad third place. Track was nasty that night and he'd run outta tear offs and couldn't see a thing, all of a sudden, here come that orange car high on the back stretch passing them both. Whether driving or just supporting his sons or grandson, the last couple of years as he watched the legacy continue, racing became the glue. Jeff recalls a time he came home, garage door wide open, who was in garage? Here's dad rolling out from under the race car on a creeper, I asked what was he doing, well ya don't think I've changed an oil pan gasket or two?
Besides his love of racing and family, Debbie, his wife of 38 years, was it and his whole purpose was to spend as much time as he was able with his wife, holding her hand and loving on her as much as possible. This was his greatest wish, to which this gift was granted.
Hobert, James or Jim, husband, father, grandfather or friend by whichever name you knew him told the timeline of his story. Whatever you called him by, spoke to the time you knew him best. No matter which name you knew him by, if you met him along this road he touched you.
Till we meet again
In memory of a life well lived and to honor his love of Hot Rods, race cars and all things that drive, please wear your favorite T-shirt and join us as we honor our husband, dad, grandpa and friend on June 28, 2024 for one last ride to Hamilton Cemetery, procession at 9:30 am, (drive your ride) from Lemley Chapel; 11:00 am Graveside Service; 1:00 pm Potluck and Celebration of Life Service at Riverfront Park (main shelter). Bring a story or two and a dish to share as we honor the life of the man we love. A time of visitation will be available from 3:00 to 6:00, Thursday at Lemley Chapel. Share your memories of Jim and sign the online guest register.