Kirsti James

Kirsti James, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to many, went to her final rest November 27, 2022. She was born to Ansgar and Marie Pors 82 years ago in Gryllefjord, Norway. Kirsti was very proud of her Norwegian heritage and enjoyed sharing stories from her early years living there; they were heartwarming stories of family and village life and, some, were of darker times, of the 5-year Nazi occupation during World War II. In 1950 the family, which now included little sister Tove, emigrated to the United States, settling in Bellingham and later, Seattle. At the young age of 10, Kirsti was instrumental in helping her parents make their way in their new community. Kirsti learned English quickly and served as translator and language teacher to her family. A second little sister arrived, Mari-Ann, the following year. Kirsti attended Bellingham High School and completed her schooling at Lincoln High School in Seattle. Kirsti married Jerry Johnson and they had three children; Jerry (Jay), Jr., Kerry Ann and Lisa. Sadly, precious infant daughter Kerry and cherished son Jay, preceded her in death. Kirsti met the love of her life, Dr. Peter James; they married in Sun Valley in 1976. Kirsti and Peter were passionate world travelers, enjoying adventures together, visiting extended family and friends, and making new friends all over the globe. Ever the adventurer, Kirsti trekked the Himalayas and beyond; after a trip to Africa, she became a committed advocate and supporter of the endangered mountain gorillas. Kirsti and Peter had a zest for life and lived their best life together for 44 years. Sadly, Peter passed in 2020, at age 87. Fortunately, Kirsti and Peter were blessed to meet the first great-granddaughter, Bella Lisa, precious daughter of Miranda and Patrick Jacobson. Grandchildren Gunnar, Kaia, Miranda and Mahlea were the joy of their lives and special comfort to their loving Bestemor, Kirsti, after Peter’s passing. In Kirsti’s final months, Lisa was steadfast in Kirsti’s care and felt truly blessed to do so. The family, community and friends across the world will miss our Kirsti. We all cherish her and are grateful for her being part of our lives.

Kirsti James

December 24, 1939 - November 27, 2022