James Arnold Blackmore

1937 - 2016

James Arnold Blackmore

February 10, 1937 ~ June 16, 2016

James "Jim" Arnold Blackmore, 79, passed away June 16, 2016 at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle following an extended and determined battle with heart disease.

Jim leaves behind his wife Katrin Mucke, his sisters Millie and Ruth, his sister in law Ellen and husband Carl, his four children Dan and wife Kathi, Teri, Rob and wife Linda, and Rick, plus ten grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his wives, Margaret and Diana.

Jim was born in Foam Lake, Saskatchewan to William James Blackmore and Sigrid Constance Birch. After spending his early childhood in Foam Lake, he later relocated to British Columbia in 1937, then to Ballard, Washington in 1951, and it was there he met Margaret Ellen Forseth in 1957, and they started their family in 1959.

Jim started his career in the United States Army, proudly serving his country from 1958 to 1963 specializing in transportation. It was this service in the Army where his love for transportation began and embarked him on a career that would span 45 years; a career that would include development, operations, and effective oversight of new companies as well as managing container and cruise related activities in the United States and overseas.

From 1964 through 1985 Jim was with K-Line/Kerr Corporation holding various positions including General Manager, Senior Vice President, Executive Vice President, and Shareholder. In these positions, he was involved in the creation and executive management of affiliated waterfront companies including Seacon Terminals, Pacific Northwest Auto Terminals, and Northwest Port Services.

Between 1972 and 1974, he was assigned by K-Line/Kerr to be Senior Vice President and North American Representative for Phoenix Container Liners Hong Kong, a division of K-Line.

From 1985 to 2012, Jim was with General Steamship Agencies as a Shareholder, Director, and Senior Vice President. During this time, holding senior executive and presidential positions, he developed and managed affiliated companies including, Alaska Maritime Agencies, Quay Cruise Agencies Canada and USA, Marine Communications Company, Neptune Services, Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska, Alaska Port Services, Northstar Terminal & Stevedoring Company, Cargo Services Company and Cruise Terminals of America.

On a personal note, Jim was involved in the maritime community as an advisor, supporter, and friend to many throughout the industry. In his free time, he volunteered for the Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra and other arts organizations.

Jim also thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of construction and spent much of his time in his early career not only building family cabins all around the state of Washington, but also several of the family homes in Mill Creek, Edmonds, and Woodway.

An avid fisherman, Jim spent time both fishing and later working on the FV Harmony in Alaska with his father in law, Dan Forseth. He also traveled up and down the coast on fishing trips with family and business associates covering the waters of Alaska down to Mexico. However, his most enjoyable fishing trips were done with his family at the family beach house in Hansville, Washington where he was able to share those moments with four generations of family.

Of all his interests, Jim most enjoyed traveling, camping, and exploring all areas of the world with family and friends. These cruises all around the world, trips to Asia and Europe, as well as African Safaris with those he loved will be some of the most cherished memories of those who love him.

Jim was a trusted, well respected, and social man that was loved by all he came into contact with. His engaging smile, laugh, and storytelling set the tone for an interesting and relaxing conversation. With his modest beginnings in rural Foam Lake, he showed his children that through hard work, perseverance, and dedication one can be successful in both their family lives as well as their careers. He will be missed by all that had the pleasure of coming into contact with such a loving, honest man.

A celebration for all Jim's family and friends will be held at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center (Pier 66 in Seattle), on Thursday, July 7th at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, and in respect of Jim's courageous battle, the family asks that any donations be made to the UW Foundation, Pulmonary Hypertension Research Fund in the name of James Arnold Blackmore, found at: http://depts.washington.edu/givemed/give/ or by calling 1-866-633-2586.