JAMES EDWIN "JIM" BERGESON

March 28, 1934 -
November 7, 2016

James "Jim" Bergeson, 82, was born in Everett, Washington on March 28, 1934 and went to be with The Lord on November 7, 2016 in Anacortes, Washington.

Jim is survived by his wife Darlene, of 62 years (residing at Fidalgo Care Center).

Jim grew up in Anacortes with his parents, Clarence and Anna (Helbling) Bergeson and brother Richard "Dick" Bergeson.

Jim graduated from Anacortes High School in 1951 and met Darlene while dancing at the Seven Cedars Club in 1953. Jim & Darlene were married October 16, 1954 in Silvana, Washington.

Jim is also survived by his three children: Donna (Doug Erlandson)of Anacortes, Jeff (Michele) Bergeson of Woodland, WA, and Duane Bergeson of Anacortes; four grandchildren: Sarah (William Smiddy) of Arlington, Chris (Carrie) Bergeson of Lynnwood, Ashley (Casey Schang) of Woodland, WA, and Sonja Erlandson of Anacortes; and seven great-grandchildren: Dylan, Emma, Liam, Laik, Rais, August, and Nova. He will be deeply missed by friends and caregivers: Ann Bozeman and Marguerite Senger whose love and care made it possible for him to remain independent at home. Jim is also survived by his life-long friend, classmate and best man Jim Johnson, whom he affectionately referred to as "Calhoun".

Jim loved his family and was said to have been the "king of a small country" by his son-in-law Doug. Jim's nightly routine was to watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, which he excelled at. He was the Master of the remote control.

Jim was hired on at the Texaco Refinery when it opened in 1958 being referred to as a "58'er", or one of the originals. Jim was often heard advising new employees to set up their retirement plan as soon as possible to secure their future. Jim worked for Texaco until his retirement in 1994. He then set up his own lawn service business, working and managing it for over 10 years.

Jim was very active in the local union 1-591 OCAW. He was a former OCAW President and was vocally active in advocating for wage and benefit packages.

Jim's lifelong hobby was bowling. He was quite the bowler, bowling a perfect 300-point game on his retirement date. His love for bowling is lived out in his family with his children and grandchildren following in his footsteps. Duane and Jeff have also bowled 300-point games. Granddaughter Sonja is a regular Tuesday bowler.

Jim and Darlene loved to travel, not only in the United States but also adventured out around the world to 6 of the 7 continents. Jim & Darlene also enjoyed exchanging romantic cards throughout their marriage (much to the embarrassment of the children and grandchildren). They were very much in love, and always enjoyed life together.

Jim and Darlene were long-time dedicated members of The Salvation Army Church in Anacortes where Darlene served on The Salvation Army's Advisory Board for ten years.

Jim loved sports. He played basketball in High School, coached little league baseball, and has continued to watch sports on TV as much as he could. Jim is an avid Seahawks fan and enjoyed watching games with good friend John Little. He had a great love for the Gonzaga Bulldogs where his son Duane played basketball for four years. Jim and Darlene frequently traveled to away games to support Gonzaga. Like his love for sports, he competitively played Poker at the Elks Lodge, and Bridge at the Senior Center. Good friend, Thad Lindquist, mentions that Jim always gave him a run for his money at bridge and poker. Granddaughter Sonja loved playing (and occasionally winning) Tile Rummy several times a week with Grandpa.

Gathered around the family table, Jim started a family tradition of as soon as "Amen" was said, he would proclaim "pass everything!" As the grandkids got older, they would try to beat grandpa to the punch, sometimes before the prayer was actually over!

Jim also loved music, especially Barber Shop music. He sang with the local chapter of The An-O-Chords, for many years. They performed yearly and held an annual salmon barbeque. He made many lifelong friends there.

Jim's honor, intelligence, integrity, Jim and Darlene's 62-year marriage, their many close friendships, and strong family ties will leave a lasting impression on all who knew him. One thing for certain is that Jim lived his life to the fullest and served his Lord and community with all he had. In his final days and hours Jim was continuously surrounded by his Pastors, loving family and friends. Jim would be so proud of his spiritual legacy. His great-grandson Liam, upon being told of his passing, gasped and with a smile said, "You mean, he's in Heaven now?!"

A celebration of life will be held January 21, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. at The Salvation Army when son, Duane, returns from his work at sea.

The family has requested donations in Jim's memory to be made to the Anacortes Youth Sports Coalition (to benefit Special Olympics of Anacortes), and/or The Salvation Army of Anacortes in lieu of flowers and gifts.

We love you grandpa!

Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel & Crematory Inc., of Anacortes, WA & the San Juan Islands.

To share a memory of James "Jim" please visit www.evanschapel.com and sign the online guest register.