James Edward Kirkebo

August 3, 1949 - June 7, 2025

Lakewood, Washington - On Saturday, June 7th James Edward Kirkebo Jr., age 75, passed away. Jamie was surrounded by his wife Darcy, his two sons Tres and Brandon after a battle with Leukemia.

Jamie was born on August 3, 1949, to Jim and Lorna Kirkebo in Tacoma, WA. Jamie graduated from Lakes High School in 1967. Jamie graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 1971 with a degree in business.

Following Jamie's attendance at Washington State University and University of Puget Sound Jamie began his career in real estate for Frontier Lands. Jamie worked in real estate while acquiring a niche for land development.

Jamie and his father Jim teamed up on development projects, most notably the construction of Spare Space in University Place which became the hub of operations for decades to follow.

Jamie developed a passion for golf. Jim and Lorna introduced Jamie to Meadow Park, where he learned the game of golf, a passion that he maintained for the rest of his life. Jamie is considered by many as an accomplished amateur golfer, having won multiple titles and championships throughout his life.

Jamie was preceded in death by his loving sister Gari and survived by his wife Darcy, sons Tres, Brandon, stepdaughters Nikki, Neely, eight grandchildren: Dominique, Braxton, Lourdes, Penelope, Taylor, Kye, Nicolas, Nathan and many close friends and other family members.

For other memorial information please visit www.afterall.com/obituaries/washington/.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Kindred Souls Foundation: www.kindredsoulsfoundation.org PO Box 88627 Steilacoom WA 98388.

Jamie will be greatly missed.

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

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) from Jun. 27 to Jun. 29, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for James Kirkebo

Sponsored by Edwards Memorial Funeral Homes - Lakewood.

8 Entries

Jim Boesel

July 1, 2025

Jamie and I met at Custer Elementary School in the third or fourth grade. We became best friends and were pretty much inseparable, sharing countless adventures all the way through our days at Hudtloff Jr. High. His house on Stielacoom Lake was my second home and it seems like I spent every waking hour of every weekend there as well as spending the night more times than I can remember. In the summer during Jr.high we would haul our sleeping bags out to the end of Steilacoom point and camp out, usually with plans to roam around Lakewood until the wee hours, and perhaps drop in on one of our female friends´ slumber party´s because boys will be boys!

When high school came around we were lucky to be among only a handful of Hudtloff students to attend Lakes High, so we were able to preserve our friendship bond and continue to share our limit-testing shenanigans until we lost touch in our early twenties. I think we were both lucky to have such a long-lasting friendship as we lived through those precious "Leave it to Beaver years."

Rest in peace Jamie, and thanks for the memories!

Carol Sheridan Mentonelli

June 30, 2025

Jamie´s smile and sparkling eyes would light up the room. He was so welcoming to everyone. My deepest condolences to family and friends who hold him in their hearts. May you all be blessed with God´s Grace.
I loved Jamie´s help with our high school yearbook with photo advertisements.

Andra Michael

June 29, 2025

Darcy,
So saddened by loss of Jamie
I'm thinking of you and family.

Maryelen Johnson

June 29, 2025

My Bob is teeing it up in heaven with Jamie & a few other friends talented in golf

Darcy

June 28, 2025

Dan

June 28, 2025

I first met Jamie at Lakes High school. We reconnected when he became an investor in my company helping people build their new homes.
Sometimes he would say, Hell Dan they are not well qualified but they deserve a new home so lets make the loan. Jamie was a kind and caring man and the world needs more people like him. R I P my friend & all the best to his family.

Dan Koval

Rhino

June 27, 2025

JK was my all-time favorite golfing buddy and the greatest human I´ve ever known. Words can´t capture the void left by someone so remarkable. He was more than a friend on the fairways-he was a teacher, a light, and a master at showing kindness.
Every round with him was a gift: his infectious laugh, the way he´d share a tip to fix my swing, and those stories that made every hole unforgettable. He taught me how to read a green, but more importantly, he showed me how to treat people-with respect, warmth, and genuine care. His generosity and spirit touched everyone lucky enough to know him.
I´ll carry those memories forever-the early morning tee times, the bets over a cold drink, and the way he made every moment better just by being there. Rest in peace, my friend. The course won´t be the same without you, but I know you´re sinking birdies up above.

Darcy

June 27, 2025

My husband Jamie was the best person I´ve ever known. He was forever loving, funny, supportive, he rooted for the underdogs. He Loved our children and grandchildren to his core. He loved our family members and friends he made that lasted his entire life. Strangers were friends he hadn´t met yet.
It´s no secret that Jamie had a real soft spot for dogs. People have made comments if they came back, they´d like to come back as his dog. There are no words to express how much Jamie will be missed, he was a true friend and the most wonderful husband. Many people feel his loss, in time the memories made with Jamie will sooth the pain. He gave so much happiness and laughter to others....
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