James Albert Elliott passed away Nov 8, 2018, at the age of 91 in Olympia, Wash. He was born Oct. 1, 1927, to Harry and Marie Elliott in Olympia where he resided his entire life.
Jim married Joyce Jacoby June 10, 1950, in Toledo, Wash. They celebrated 64 years of marriage before Joyce passed away Aug. 22, 2014. A brother, Jack and a sister, Helen also preceded him in death.
Jim is survived by two daughters, Dianna (Dale) Fezer of Olympia, and Donnette (Keith) Fisher of New Enterprise, Pa.; two sons, Dean (Cyd) Elliott of San Pedro, Calif., and Dan Elliott of Toledo, Wash.; two grandsons, Addison Elliott and Alex Elliott of San Pedro, Calif.; and a sister, Ann Batstone of Shelton, Wash. Jim also leaves behind other family members and a host of friends.
Jim enlisted in the United States Army Jan. 7, 1946, and was honorably discharged Nov. 9, 1948, achieving the rank of Staff Sargent.
In 1950, Jim followed in the footsteps of his father, Harry and became a fireman and then an engineer for the Northern Pacific Railroad. He loved working on the railroad and even had the opportunity to work with his father. Jim retired in 1989, after 39 years with Northern Pacific.
Jim was a 70 year member of the Oddfellows Lodge (IOOF#1), a member of the Grange Association and American Milking Shorthorn Society. Joyce introduced Jim to the 4-H Program and he took great pride in helping his four children build skills and learn the responsibilities of raising and showing dairy cattle. He also took great pride in his children’s accomplishments. The legacy he left his family will be long remembered. Jim loved “shooting the breeze” with everyone, and he enjoyed playing cards and cutting firewood.
A sincere thank you goes to neighbors and friends, Roger Robinson and Kathy Sayre. Roger spent many hours with Jim, especially during his last months. A special thank you to Providence SoundHomeCare and Hospice, and Janine and Chris for their care of Jim in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in Jim’s name to Oddfellows Lodge (IOOF#1) and the Thurston County 4-H Program.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 1 p.m., Dec. 1, 2018,
at Oddfellows Puget Beach Park, 6500 79th Avenue NE, Olympia, WA.
Refreshments to be provided by the Oddfellows and the Rebekahs.
