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James Bain Obituary
Clay is survived by daughters Kris of Seattle, and Debi of Puyallup and five grand children. He is preceded in death by wife Shirley and son Jim.
He worked in the fire service for 35 years as a volunteer, and then onto Deputy Fire Chief in P.C. Fire District #6 and then to Fire Chief in P.C. #7. In addition, he served as President of the Washington State Firefighters Association and as WSFA as Conference Supervisor.
He was known as a mentor, teaching and training firefighters as celebrated by a commemorative plaque on the training facility at the Spanaway Fire Station.
He received many awards during his career and was described by colleagues as someone who "understood the old and the new and realized that change was needed." While Chief he oversaw a multi-million dollar modernization program for volunteers, a residency program and upgraded equipment and technologies.
Clay also enjoyed playing the piano, frequently "serenading" others with the only two songs he knew by heart...Home On the Range and Jingle Bells.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Bain
Dan Bickel
Yesterday
Sorry for your loss and celebrating his life with us. He hired me as a young firefighter for Spanaway, PCFD #7. I loved working for him. What great man!
Rita Lebsock
October 8, 2025
Many fond memories of my Uncle Clay... especially the holidays... my sincere condolences
Sarah Buzzelli (Bain)
October 8, 2025
My Grandfather was an amazing father when mine was not present. He was my mentor, my cheer leader, my teacher, and my best critic. He strove to make life the best he could for all of us around him. Thank you for being the father I never had. Thank you Grandpa for teaching me about sports, grit, standing behind what you believe, fishing, and most of all for being there when I needed a strong person to lean on. You were truly an inspiration.
Mark Lycan
October 6, 2025
Best mentor I ever had!
Tim Lookabaugh
October 6, 2025
Chief Bain was my chief when I got hired. I remember how he expected the best out of us and if we made mistakes that was ok if we learned from them. I will always have great memories of him.
Mike Keohi
October 5, 2025
I was a resident volunteer in Parkland. 72-74. He was always nice and helpful to us young guys. Most of us went on to be professional firefighters.
Teresa Taylor
October 4, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear that your father passed. I hope your memories are keeping his love alive for you.
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