Robert James

August 08, 1934 - October 31, 2019
Bellingham

Robert James

August 08, 1934 - October 31, 2019
Bellingham

Obituary

Robert Fred James went to be with his Lord Oct. 31, 2019. He was 85 years old. He was born Aug. 8, 1934 in Seattle, WA, to Fred and Alberta James. He grew up in Sumas, WA and attended grade school there. He graduated from Nooksack Valley High School in 1952. Upon graduation he received a music scholarship to Western Washington University. He later received a degree in accounting, and became a CPA. He was a CPA in Bellingham for 35 years. He was a member of the Washington State Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs.

Robert was also a professional photographer focusing on nature and rural scenes, with publications in many books, magazines, and on cards and DVDs. For many years he was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bellingham. He married Jean (Aase) James on March 20, 1953 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lawrence, WA. They had been married 66 years and lived in Bellingham most of their married life. Robert enjoyed hiking, spending time in the mountains, and the outdoors.

Robert was predeceased by his parents and brother Jack. He is survived by his wife Jean of Bellingham; sons Robert A. James (Lynda) and Richard T. James of Bellingham; grandchildren Michael James, Taylor James (Connor Shae), Tim James (Jess), Amy Jackson (Kyle), and Lynette Johnson (Dave); 12 great-grandchildren, all of Bellingham; sister Dolores (Jay) Montero of Pasco, WA; sister-in-law Louise Greer of Bellingham; and numerous cousins.

Memorial service: Nov. 16, 2 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church (119 Texas St., Bellingham).

Memorial Service

  • Date & Time: November 16, 2019 (2:00 PM)
  • Venue: Trinity Lutheran Church
  • Location: 119 Texas Street Bellingham, WA 98225 - (Get Directions)

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3 responses to Robert James

  1. Jeff Barclay says:

    Upon my discharge from military service in 1971 I was 22 years old and I applied for a job at Haskell Corporation. I had an interview with Bob and he hired me on the spot. I will always be grateful to him for giving me my first “real” job. My sincere condolences to the family.

  2. Jean and your lovely family: Fred and I have been friends since 1940 when we began grade 1 at Sumas Grade School. He was always a special classmate; always kind and fun to be around. I so remember him playing the trumpet! God’s peace and comfort to each of you.
    Shirley YVonne Fuller Nielsen

  3. I worked with Jean at Newberry’s Dept Store in downtown Bellingham in the 60’s. Our ‘guys’ often stopped in to see us or pick us up after work and that would be Bob for Jean. These past several years, I’d always see them together here & there about town. Such a handsome couple as always.
    My heartfelt sympathy to Jean and her family for their great loss. Thinking of you, Carol Ann

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