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James Stillwell Obituary
James Fremont Stillwell, Jr., 79, passed away July 14 in Seattle from complications following heart surgery. He was born May 15, 1935, in Seattle to James and Eileen Stillwell. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and attended the University of Washington. Jim married his loving wife, Sarah Nelson in 1952. They lived in Portland, OR, before moving back to the Seattle area to take over his father's business, Stillwell Construction, which was active in highway construction. The company was one of the first from the northwest to work in Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming and Arizona. Jim was instrumental in the local construction industry and served as President of the Associated General Contractors of Washington in 1975. Living on Mercer Island, Jim coached football, baseball and basketball. He enjoyed skiing in Sun Valley with the entire family, however, his true passion was boating and the family enjoyed years of boating in the San Juan Islands, the Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound. He also loved the aviation industry and was a licensed private pilot. Jim was one of six original owners of the Seattle Mariners bringing professional baseball to the Seattle area. He loved the sun living in Hawaii and San Diego for the past 30 years. While in southern California, Jim worked for Bayley Construction for nearly 20 years. He returned home last year to live close by his family.
Jim will be greatly missed by his family; sons Mark (Elaine) and Jeff, daughters Suzanne and Mindy, sisters Diane and Margie (Pat), 6 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and Ruth Hartman. Jim was preceded in death by his wife and mother of his children, Sarah, and his first son, Steve.
All friends and family are invited to a celebration of Jim's life on Wednesday, July 23, at the Seattle Yacht Club from 4-7 p.m.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Stillwell
Sponsored by The Family.
Green Johnson
May 21, 2023
Met Jim and Wife Sarah back in 1974-76 while being on the Bellevue Community College Baseball team with their son Steve,sorry for his lost too.He was our Left handed pitcher.I met Jim and Sarah at a party at there home on Mercer Island.Beautiful Human beings to treat me like a family member. Just so sad to hear this.May he rest in Peace.Prayers,Love and Hugs to Family.
Green Johnson
May 21, 2023
Ssorry
Gregg Reynolds
July 11, 2020
Jim and I met as first graders at Bryant Grade School and remained friends throughout our lives. I think of him often, recalling so many wonderful times. His achievements were many and varied, but the measure of the man was his kindness and many, many friendships. A true gentleman and wonderful friend.
Mike Heathman
August 18, 2014
Hi Jim,
You were an experience I will never forget. Our long relationship meant so much to me....
Mike Heathman
Tanya and Mike Heathman
August 18, 2014
...a wonderful person, and a very dear friend (and fraternity brother)for many years.... We are deeply saddened to hear of Jim's passing.
July 24, 2014
I was delighted when Elaine and Mark told me their father was brought back home to the PNW a year ago to be cared for by family and so many friends. Celia brought joy to Jim, a kick in his step and a smile to his face. I am so very saddened by Jim's sudden passing however knowing he was surrounded by loving family and people he loved this past year is comforting. Jim was inspiring, motivating and most of all a very good role model!
July 23, 2014
My Dearest Jim - when you called me from the hospital on July 10th to remind me to read our favorite poem , "How do I Love Thee? Eliz.B.Browning I was thrilled and saddened to be able to tell you to wait for me there. You were my life and love for 26 years. No one could change that. I love you! Your wife Ruth.
July 22, 2014
As a friend of Suzanne's, I know how much she loved you James, and how all your family was so happy to have you close by and spend the time gifted to all of you together. You are so loved and missed.
Gerry Scalzo
July 22, 2014
Mark, Suzanne, Jeff & Mindy, I am sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I have nothing but fond memories of Jim and your wonderful family. We shared some great times together in athletics and life. Jim always gave positive encouragement and was a great mentor. My thoughts are with your family in this time.
Paul Chelminiak
July 22, 2014
Ruth,
We here in San Diego were so saddened to hear of Jim's passing. We all shared so many wonderful times during your years in San Diego. My Dad, Chelly, Rick King and Susan Levine, and Bob Pieterse send warm hugs in remembrance. Please let us know how we can get in touch with you. Fondly, Paul Chelminiak
Ron Bayley
July 22, 2014
Always the "Sunny Jim" who carried himself with grace and professionalism. His attitude and friendly style extended confidence and optimism to everyone around him. We all at Bayley Construction benefited greatly from having Jim as part of our team.
July 21, 2014
Mindy, Suzanne, Mark and Jeff, I am so very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I have only fond memories of him at your home on MI and spending time with your family in Kingston/Poulsbo. May your loving memories of him help you in this time of such extreme sadness. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
- Maureen (Finnegan) Glenn
Duanne Bohne
July 21, 2014
I always found Jim to be an extremely gracious person who always focused on the positive. He always had a positive attitude that encouraged all to stay focused on their goals. When I hit a rough spot in my life and Jim knew I could use a word of encouragement he took the time to talk to me, sharing a time from his life that had meaning and helped me to navigate a path through that rough spot in my life. Thank you Jim for that time and I am thankful for having had the opportunity to know and work with you.
Roxanne Donahoe
July 20, 2014
Jim was an amazing man that had such a positive impact on me and my family. I am forever grateful for his kind and loving spirit and feel blessed to have met him. My deepest sympathy and heart felt condolences. Jim was truly extraordinary and will be greatly missed.
Marilyn and Bob Richards
July 20, 2014
We send our deep sympathy and loving warm wishes to Jim's beautiful family. We were privileged to be neighbors of your generous, kind, enthusiastic dad during his brief but impactful time in Alaska. The world is better for Jim having been among us. Love, Marilyn and Bob Richards
Mary (Williams) Nelson
July 20, 2014
Mindy, Suzanne, Jeff and Mark, I'm so sorry for your loss. Jim and Sarah were so good to me and treated me like family when we were growing up. Such a great man, with a long full life. He will be truly missed.
Celia Nesis
July 19, 2014
Dear Jim,
Thank you for the thoughtfulness, kindness and love you have shown me. You were such a sweet, wonderful man who made quite an impression on me.
I enjoyed our rides around town as you reminisced about Seattle, your dear family and friends.
I miss you deeply but am happy and grateful we met. I will always remember our special time together. Love, Celia
Celia Nesis
July 19, 2014
Dear Jim,
Thank you so much for the kindness, thoughtfulness and love you have shown me. I enjoyed our trips around town while you reminisced about Seattle and the great times you had with your friends and family. You were such a sweet and wonderful man and was very impressed by you.
I miss you deeply but am happy we met and that I was fortunate to know you.
I will always remember our special time together. Love, Celia
Jim Reid
July 19, 2014
We are sorry for your loss. Jim was a good customer and ran an exceptionally good company that did exceptionally good work. He will be missed.
Prayers your way,
Jim, Jessica and Sarah Reid
Evergreen Court
July 18, 2014
We are very sorry for the loss of such a great man. He lived a full life and was very active. We all enjoyed him living here and he will be missed by all staff and residents.
Nick Bohne
July 18, 2014
I will never forget all the wonderful stories Jim shared with me during my time at Bayley Construction as a young man just starting starting adulthood. A man like Jim leaves a lasting impression.
July 18, 2014
Rest in peace Sunny Jim. Until we meet again.
Jim Dealy
July 18, 2014
Jim, I so cherished our 19 years working together for Bayley Construction in SoCal. We made a great team and helped grow the Socal operation into a very successful division. More importantly our friendship, sailing and enjoying meeting and developing all the business contacts together. You were a great friend, mentor, and like a "second father" to me. You will be missed by your family tremendously and many of us who spent time with you and shared your positive attitude with us.
Jeff Cunningham
Gregg Reynolds
July 18, 2014
Dear Jim, my great friend of nearly 70 years, you are sorely missed. We shared a lifetime of memorable adventures which I cherish.
Rest in peace,
Gregg Reynolds
Olinda Browne
July 18, 2014
Dear Uncle Jimmy,
You were always the Rock of the family, always with a smile, and always thinking ahead with something witty to say. Thank you for sharing your life with us, and for being such a great presence in my life. Even when you lived far away, it was comforting knowing you were just "there". I know you'll be watching over your kids and extended family, just like you did in your life here. We will all miss you tremendously. Our love for you will never fade. Olinda
Julie (Davis) Chadwick
July 18, 2014
To my cousins: I am sorry for your loss. Visiting you and Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Sarah was always an adventure that we looked forward to. While I cannot make the service I will be there in my heart. Love to you all - Julie
July 17, 2014
Dad, I miss you, so grateful of our lives our family,
Love your "horse girl daughter" Mindy
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