Chief Tsi’li’xw William A. James
October 20, 1944 - June 01, 2020
Bellingham, Washington
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Chief Tsi’li’xw William A. James
October 20, 1944 - June 01, 2020
Bellingham, Washington
Obituary
Sii’am e ne schaleche
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of our Lummi Nation Chief Si’am Tsi’li’xw our respected elder, Oksale (teacher), relative, friend, and mentor. At the age of 75 our beloved Chief Tsi’li’xw, William (Bill) James, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2020 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born in Bellingham, WA in 1944 to the late Frances (auntie Fran) James (Lane) and Norbert James Jr. Tsi’li’xw was recognized by the Lummi Nation as our hereditary Chief in 2010. He lived up to his responsibilities as our Chief every day, responding with kindness to each request for time, information, and guidance. He cared deeply for our Nation and our people. He dedicated his life to learning from his elders about our history, language, and our Schelangen (way of life). He knew the importance of capturing the life experiences and knowledge of our ancestors to pass down for generations to come to sustain our way of life. He considered Michael Lane and Laura Williams as his son and daughter. He is survived by numerous relatives and friends. Our loved one was a proud member of the Lummi Nation and proud descendant of the Duwamish people and Penelakut Kuper Island people. A funeral service will be held at Lummi Nation School at Blackhawk field on Friday, June 5, at 10:00am. Burial to follow at Lummi Nation Cemetery.
6 responses to Chief Tsi’li’xw William A. James
Henry & Yvonne says:
June 5, 2020
We will miss you very much! Prayers for your journey.
Opal Hardgrove says:
June 5, 2020
Bill was a dear friend and encouragement on my many visits to Lummi. He will be missed. Opal Hardgrove
Kathleen Z. Young says:
June 5, 2020
For over twenty years I walked by the Sehome Arboretum without knowing its Coast Salish history or its connection to the Coast Salish Sehome family and Xwelas Sehome Lear, the great great grandmother of Chief Tsi’li’xw William A. James. Eventually, because of his generosity and openness, I was honored to meet Bill James and came to understand the legacy he represents, its lessons, and the wisdom he personally embodied.
He was a humble man, so much so that it is possible that many people do not know that all of Bellingham has lost a great leader.
With gratitude for his teachings that will live on,
Kathleen
Darlene Olsen says:
June 5, 2020
Have a safsafe journey crossing over. Th ancestors are awaiting your arrival.Hoyte.
Michael & Linda Wadhams says:
June 5, 2020
Chief Bill, it was a pleasure getting to know you, and always receiving warm welcomes. Thank you for all your hospitality that you showed to me and my family, and the teams of MTW.