James Frederick Kolberg

May 2, 1948 - November 29, 2024

James Frederick Kolberg, known as Jim, passed away in Cathlamet, Washington, at the age of 76, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on May 2, 1948, in Raymond, Washington, to Kathryn and Rocky Kolberg, Jim lived a life of adventure, service, and learning. He served in the Merchant Marines, studied at the University of Hawaii, Waseda University, and the University of Washington, and spoke Japanese and Indonesian. His global perspective was shaped by service in the Peace Corps in Indonesia and as a guide at the 1970 Osaka World Fair.

Jim taught world history and Japanese in Longview, Washington, inspiring students with his passion for culture and travel. A lifelong learner, he remained curious and engaged. His wanderlust took him across continents, from voyages at sea to adventures on the Trans-Siberian Railway. He circled and crisscrossed the globe, leaving footprints on nearly every corner of the earth.

He is survived by his children, Erikson Kolberg and Alison Kolberg; son-in-law, Lucas Colusso; granddaughter, Eleanor Colusso; and brother, Rocky Kolberg, with his wife, Candace Kolberg. Jim's adventurous spirit and stories will be deeply missed.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Daily News on Dec. 10, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for James Kolberg

Sponsored by Dowling Funeral Home - Cathlamet.

9 Entries

Brian Rak

June 25, 2025

Mr. Kolberg was my Japanese teacher at Mark Morris High School, and he truly changed my life. His enthusiasm for the Japanese language and culture, and his passion for traveling and understanding the world, were contagious. When I went to Japan for my senior year of high school as a foreign exchange student, I could often hear Mr. Kolberg's voice ringing in my ears as I encountered things he had described in class. Later, when I began teaching Japanese myself, I worked hard to emulate his down-to-earth, genuine, humorous style that had so resonated with me. The last few years I have been trying to get back in touch with him to share his impact on my life, and I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing, but I know that I am only one of so many students whose lives he affected positively. He was a gift to the world. Mr. Kolberg, thank you for everything. You will truly be missed.

Cynthia Caster

February 28, 2025

Jim, you will surely be missed by all of your family and friends. Thinking fondly of you and all of the wonderful travel stories that you shared over the years. I loved your little gifts from SE Asia. Thank you for your friendship and your keen insight, love of knowledge, geographic and cultural. Thank you for being a teacher and so generously sharing with all of us. Thank you for your love of the natural world and for enlivening our little town of Cathlamet as a Board Member and a concerned Citizen. Thank you for being in all of our lives.
May you continue to explore and enlighten others in the Next World. All Blessings and Love. Peace, Peace, Peace.

Zachery Sullivan

January 31, 2025

Recently I tried to track down one of the people that inspired my inner-Asia as a youth. Jim Kolberg was my Japanese teacher for 3 years at Mark Morris in the latter half of the 90s, he introduced me to everything I love today. Without him, Asia would have never happened for me. His class actually allowed me to spend more time with my still to this,day best friend Lance Phromnopavong in 10th grade(Lance was the other piece to this story, he is the reason I went to Thailand for nearly 20 years, married and had 3 children). Sadly Mr. Kolberg passed away 2 months ago before I could reach out. RIP Mr. Kolberg, you'll never know how you changed my life, but I think deep down you know you did. Sorry I didn't get to show you your influence, but I'm sure everyone on the other side is loving your old Japanese man voice.

My love and condolences to the Kolberg family

Sharrie and Steve SIngmaster

January 30, 2025

Our deepest sympathies on Jim´s passing.

Rose Covel

December 18, 2024

I met Jim when he moved into a home next door to us. That was 30+ years ago. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My deepest condolences to Erikson and Alison and the rest of the family.

Oriana Cadman

December 17, 2024

So sorry Jim passed away! My condolences to his family. As a fellow teacher, we often had interesting conversations about our international travel experiences.

Steve Bennett

December 12, 2024

In 1966, Jim and I spent 3 months hitchhiking around Europe. Our first adventure. One of many for both of us. He was 18 just out of high school.May he rest in peace.

Ken Norton

December 10, 2024

My deepest condolences to you Alison, Erikson, Buzz and families. I knew Jim for 54 years and we shared a lot of life. I first met Jim when we worked together at the Osaka World's Fair in 1970 (Expo 70). After Expo we both ended up in Grad School at the University of Hawaii where we became good friends. Over the years we visited each other often and kept in close contact as our lives unfolded. His zest for life was fantastic and infectious. To say good bye is hard after 54 years and all I can say is farewell good friend. You added much to my life and you will be greatly missed

Craig Morris

December 10, 2024

Have great memories of backpacking the Spirit Lake backcountry with Jim and later spending time with him in Osaka, Japan. His spirit of adventure was amazing.

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