James Jay "Jim" BESSE

1941 - 2025

On April 28th, 2025, we lost an absolutely amazing man who was a role model to everyone who knew him, James Jay Besse "Jim."

He was born in Spokane's Vinegar Flats to Jack and Joyce Besse in 1941. In his 20s, Jim moved to Boston and was on crew on one of the first ballistic missile nuclear submarines in the US, the USS Abraham Lincoln. At 25, he was in a tragic accident where he would be a paraplegic for the remainder of his life, after just having a new baby girl, Jacqueline, with his then wife, June Besse (Donabedian). However, in being determined to rise above his disability…he left a long list of accomplishments, including:
• Being elected to the Governor's Committee for the Handicapped. He was on the Washington State Code Council, which helped set the foundations for the future ADA. One of the many projects was to put curb ramps in Spokane for the disabled. Jim, a shy man, spoke in Washington, D.C. on behalf of the Council.
• A year after his accident, he pursued his college career starting with classes at MIT, and Boston U. He ultimately moved back to Spokane with his family where he received his BA degree from Whitworth University in Business Administration.
• Hired for the Expo'74 Management Group as one of the first hires, youngest hires, and one of the last to leave.
• Also, in the 70s, opened a (then new concept) firm to sell wind power turbines to produce electricity, which you can now see nationwide.
• Owned a General contracting business designing custom homes in Spokane, including one of the first underground homes built locally.
• He ended his career in Computer tech/building work order systems for Eastern Washington University, where he worked for 27 years.
• In addition to the above, he had a zest for life with his gourmet cooking, the next travel adventure, trap shooting, wheelchair basketball and a good game of pool with a beer.

In 1997 Jim met the love of his life, Anne Hamilton Besse. They had an extraordinary 26 years together, sharing all kinds of adventures which included long road trips, cruising, flying to major US cities where they would use public transit - all wheelchair accessible- from buses to light rail to get around. Theirs was a very special relationship – not without some challenges, but one that brought amazing joy to both.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his lovely sister, Joy. Jim is survived by his dedicated wife and partner, Anne Besse; his daughter, Jacqueline Besse (her finance, Jeff Harter); and his son, John Sweet (wife, Meredith); as well as his supportive bonus children, Carrie Vielle (husband, Bob Krikac), Matt Vielle (wife, Kim Vielle); and bonus, grandson, Emerson Elliott (wife, Kimberly).

The family wishes to thank all our friends for their caring support during this time as well as Generations Home Healthcare and its Certified Nursing Professionals (Cheryl, Jeanne, Brianna, Mercy, Adrian, Zella, and Ana) who supported Jim with respect and caring that allowed him to stay in his home in his final years. A special thanks to our dear friend, Joe. And a thank you to Centerwell Health (Darcy and Chris). Also, Sharon Corrao, who supported Jim throughout the years as his wonderful Case Manager at Liberty Mutual, and Neptune Society for making this difficult process easier. Finally, the Physicians at MultiCare for their kind support, as well as the concerned care shown to us by the medical staff at Deaconess ER. On the 11th floor, the family was blessed to have Dr. "E" and especially Nurse Justin, to walk us through detailed steps in caring for Jim as he was about to take his last breath surround by his loving family. We would like to note that we know these folks have such a difficult job in dealing with death on a daily basis…however, never at any point felt Jim was "just another patient." We were so blessed to watch him go in such a peaceful manner with their support.

In closing, we want to mention that Jim's memory and legacy have and will impact his family and the lives of others forever. Jim requested no service to be held. Jim would want you to remember him as someone who did not let his physical disabilities get in the way of leading a full life – he would want you all to have as full a life as possible and not let obstacles get in your way.