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James Hernandez Obituary

James Hernandez Jim Hernandez, a longtime resident of Tacoma, passed away at the age of 59 on August 26, 2006, in Spokane, Washington. He was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin on January 27, 1947 to Manuel and Rosemary Hernandez. Jim grew up in Tacoma, where he graduated from Mt. Tahoma High School in 1966. He later attended and graduated from the University of Washington in 1971 with a Masters in Business Administration. Jim made his career in telecommunications, retiring as a manager with Qwest after 32 years of service. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, gambling at casinos, and gardening. During the late 1970s and early 1980s Jim participated in wheelchair basketball and also track at the wheelchair Olympics. He is survived by his mother Rosemary Diaz, brothers Stephen, Gary, Richard, and Robert Hernandez, sister Carol Bays, and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Manuel C. Hernandez, and brother Ronnie Hernandez.

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Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Aug. 31, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
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Mark Enbysk

September 5, 2006

Jim helped me on his own time, when I began a new job at Qwest. I would not settle for anyone else teaching me, he knew the most! Jim was very well respected at the phone company, and will be sorely missed.

Jan Dimmitt

September 5, 2006

I had the opportunity of working with Jim on a few process projects at Qwest and enjoyed the ride! Jim had a positive attitude and was always willing to help through the difficulties. Jim will be missed!

Karen Wirthlin

September 5, 2006

I am so very sorry to lose such a wonderful person as Jim Hernandez. He was a bright light that will be sorely missed. My deep condolences to his dear family.

Connie Overly

September 5, 2006

to Jim's family and friends my heartfelt sympathy. Jim will be missed. He was a great Qwest employee, master of many things, always willing to help me understand how complex services worked, and best of all a friend. I will think of him often.

Lee Kaiser

September 3, 2006

Jim was one of the very best people I ever worked with. He was a caring and generous person, who would help anytime someone asked. I feel honored to have been his friend and I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers go for Jim and to his family.

Gladys Paulson

September 1, 2006

Deepest sympathies to the Hernandez Family at the loss of your Son & Brother. Jim was a good & kind person & will be missed & I know there is a special place for him in Heaven. May God be with you all in this time of sorrow. And please know you're in my prayers.

Carol Rivera

September 1, 2006

Hernandez Family: I'm so very sorry for your loss. Jim was my co-worker for 8 years. I did get the privilege of meeting him in person several years ago. He was a great person, very knowlegeable and taught me a lot. He shared his fishing and gambling stories and had a great sense of humor. I'll miss him a lot. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Tony Romano

August 31, 2006

Jim, a good man and a good friend. I had the opportunity to know and work with Jim over the last 13+ years. We had occassion to work on special projects together traveling out of state. We got a lot done and had a good time. My thoughts and prayers for Jim and the family. He will be greatly missed.

Leland Dirks

August 31, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with Jim's family and friends. Words don't mean a lot at a loss such as this, but please know that Jim touched so many of our lives, and each of us carry a part of his goodness with us. God bless you.

Roxana Madrid

August 31, 2006

Jim and I because acquainted through work and the loss of a very good friend of ours last year, Skip Olson. I got the privilege to meet Jim in person last year for the first time, after years of speaking with him over the phone regarding work issues at Qwest. He was a wonderful man, a great colleague and helpful in everyway possible. I had corresponded with him only once after his retirement and I thank God for that connection. My thoughts and prayers are with Jim's friends and family during this sorrowful period. May time and beautiful memories heal your sadness.

Pat Pinkard

August 31, 2006

Hernandez Family - my thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of sorrow. Jim was a wonderful person, he was one of the good guys. He brought joy and happiness to everyone he touched. He will be missed dearly by everyone.

Shauneen Anderson

August 31, 2006

I was a guest at several of Jim's 4th of July parties at his home, what hospitality he had! What memories I will have. His love of life and music were obvious, and he was well loved by all. I was delighted to get to sing for him and his friends, with Helen Downs and many others. I am very sorry for the loss of your son, I will keep you in my prayers. Shauneen

Barbara Fanning

August 31, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during your time of sorrow. Jim was a great person and will be missed.

May God Be With You Now and Always

Mike Barrow

August 31, 2006

Jim was one of those rare individuals that always gave 110% no matter what he was doing, whether it be work, fishing, or just being a friend. His morals and ethics were beyond reproach. I will miss his friendship, as will so many others.

Cindy, Ken, Chris & Sam Gunderson

August 31, 2006

Rose, Rick, Steve and family-we were all very shocked about Jims passing- we are all very sorry for your loss. Iam sorry we had lost contact with him- he will be very much missed.

Kara Sandin

August 31, 2006

To Jim’s family – I am very sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful person and I feel blessed to have known him through the years here at Qwest. I had the privilege of being Jim’s manager prior to his retirement last December. He was a dedicated, hard-working employee and I had great respect for him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Sandra Olsen

August 31, 2006

To Jim's family: I'm so sorry for your loss! I've known Jim for over 20 years. He had a wonderful spirit. He was highly respected and loved by his friends and coworkers. He will be missed.

Lori & Eric Horne

August 31, 2006

Our prayers go to the family of Jim Hernandez. In almost 30 years of knowing him, he was a wonderful person both at work and as a true friend. We will always remember his smile and laughter and his constant quest to enjoy life. He will be greatly missed.

Della Wolters

August 31, 2006

Rosemary,(& Family) My name is Della Wolters, I wrote you a song for your birthday that Jim asked me to do at the general store!I just wanted to let you know i am so sorry for the loss of your son! We were all very shocked to hear of this new! My God be with you and help you through this time of need! I can't beleave it, i just shot pool with him a couple of weeks ago at the general store! All my prayers go out to you and your family! Della Wolters

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