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James Paul Getchell

1973 - 2024

James Paul Getchell obituary, 1973-2024, Kennewick, WA

BORN

1973

DIED

2024

James Getchell Obituary

James was born in Longview, WA and graduated High School in Ritzville. He served as a Private in the U.S Marine Corps, Unit: MALS-16 (Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron) during the Persian Gulf War for 'Operation Restore Hope', supporting aircraft used in Somalia while providing convoy security.

He worked for Framatome for 20 years specializing in the production of nuclear fuel rods before moving onto his career as a shift operations manager for WRPS supporting the Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF).

Known for forming lifelong bonds with close colleagues, James always strived to lead with his heart and by example. Well known in the powerlifting community, he had a passion for strength training and the outdoors and would find any reason to retreat to the nearest hunting or fishing location with his favorite canine companion. His family and friends recall that some of their best memories with James were shared around a campfire or in the gym.

James' early death has left a deep void in the lives of his friends and family. Known as a family man, his compassionate demeaner and cheerfulness were both comforting and contagious to those around him.

James is survived by his wife Carrie Potter; children Daniel & Tina Getchell, Racheal & Brandon Pocasangre, James Getchell, Cora & Keelin Matthews and Katelyn Getchell; grandchildren Axel, Sienna, Brandon, Eli James and Santino James; step children Brittany Potts and Ashlynn Potts. James was previously married to Cassandra Lycett for 21 years. He is proceeded in death by his parents, James and Sharon Getchell.

James will forever be remembered as, "a big guy with an even bigger heart". Memorial Service Info: Saturday, December 21st at Christ the King Church, Richland.10:30 a.m. Rosary, 11:00 a.m. Mass and Refreshments to follow. All are welcome. Flowers & monetary gifts should be sent to Christ the King Church.

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

Published by Tri-City Herald from Dec. 11 to Dec. 13, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for James Getchell

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Mike Douglass

January 1, 2025

Very sad to hear of James passing. He was a truly kind person person, a great guy and he will be missed. My thoughts are with his Family and I hope that they can find peace at this time, RIP James.

Mike Byrne

December 19, 2024

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Trause Gladney

December 18, 2024

James had a Heart of Gold. He was always encouraging and Helpful he will be missed. My Condolences to the Family and his Close Friend's.

Ashlynn Potts

December 14, 2024

Haily Gomez

December 12, 2024

Getch, you were the best boss, coworker, friend, and so much more. You supported and loved everyone you knew in every way you knew how and you were everyone´s greatest fan.The first memory I have to share is when my grandfather passed away earlier this year. You looked at me and asked for a hug. I told you I couldn´t hug you while working because I would lose it. You told me you understood because you would lose it too. So at the end of the day before you went home you asked me if I was ready. I said yes. As soon as you hugged me and I got emotional, you were too. You had the kindest heart and you took on everyone´s pain as your own. The other memory shows how much you believed in people, supported them, and celebrated them. I was applying for jobs and you were one of the only ones who know. You always asked for updates and wished me luck. When I finally got an interview you told me you had no doubt I would get an offer because you knew I was the best option for the job. When I got the offer you told me how proud of me you were and how you never doubted it would be offered to me. You even joined me and our work crew for drinks to celebrate because you told me you couldn´t miss showing how much you care and how proud you were. You always told us how much you appreciated us and how much we meant to you. You were family and work just isn´t the same without you but your memory will always live on. We love you friend and will miss you forever but remember you even longer.

Sharae

December 12, 2024

My condolences to the family. James was my supervisor at framatome and he was always so kind and personable, he was the best! I will forever miss him.

James Mcwhorter

December 12, 2024

Troy Gibson

December 12, 2024

Getch, as we called him, was a big part of my life in such a short amount of time. We both joined a beard group around the same time and seemed to be on the same journey. This is where I got to meet this man with the big heart. Even though he wasn´t in it for long, I was lucky to call him my brother. He will be missed. My condolences to his friends and family. Rest in peace big man.

Nadia Nelson

December 12, 2024

James had the warmest smile and the biggest heart, and it was so quickly evident to anyone that had the opportunity to meet him. Hearing that deep belly laugh at work truly made the day brighter. Thinking of all of the hearts aching his loss. I hope you find peace in knowing how loved and respected he was, and that he lives on in the fond memories of so, so many.

Manuel&Belia Guerrero

December 12, 2024

RIP J.Paul forever blessed in our Lords loving arms.

Single Memorial Tree

The Durkee's

Planted Trees

Nancy Durkee

December 12, 2024

I remember the day James brought a bouquet of red roses to his wife, Cassandra when she was working for me at my home. I thought, wow, what an awesome thing to do. Another time he came and picked up a huge motorized chair from my garage and delivered it to a charitable donation site that restores these chairs for people who need them. My husband and I have happy memories of attending he and Cassandra´s marriage vows at their church. I remember his big kind heartedness!

Holly Dallaire

December 12, 2024

Rest in Forever Peace. You're kids and grandkids will always be safe.

Vicki Lycett

December 12, 2024

I Love you so much and my heart is so broken you were my son and I will miss you forever

Gary Leingang

December 12, 2024

J@mes, you will forever be missed. You were a person that everybody who crossed your path would instantly build a friendship with you..

Cora Matthews

December 12, 2024

Austin Slater

December 12, 2024

One of the best I´ve ever met. Would do anything for anyone! Many of my best memories involve James and forever grateful for our friendship.

Cassandra Lycett

December 12, 2024

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

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Memorial Events
for James Getchell

Dec

21

Rosary

10:30 a.m.

Christ the King Church

Richland, WA

Dec

21

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

Christ the King Church

Richland, WA

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