James Wyman Kent, 90, passed away Jan. 21, 2016 at the Pullman Regional Hospital in Pullman, Washington. He was born to Thomas H. and Esther M. (Wyman) Kent in Judith Gap, Montana Nov. 14, 1925. His family moved to Seattle when Jim was a young boy. The family lived in a home in the Freemont district, near the current Woodland Park Zoo location, with their grandparents.
In this home, he learned a love for music, playing the piano and the importance of education, family and friends.
Jim attended Lincoln High School, where he lettered in track and field as well as football, setting city of Seattle records. He then joined the U.S. Army Air Corps hoping to become a pilot. However, the war ended prior to his completion. At the end of his two years, he enrolled in the University of Washington, where he competed in track and field and football. After an injury he transferred to Western Washington College (now WWU) in Bellingham to pursue his education degree and compete in his two sports. This is where he was blessed to meet the love of his life, Lois King. Lois, also an education major, was a beautiful, smart and lively gal. The two had many fun times together and were married Dec. 18, 1948. They graduated in 1949 and began their teaching careers in a small school house in Galvin, Washington (outside of Centralia). From there they moved onto more conventional schools in Centralia where they both taught. Jim worked his way up through the ranks eventually becoming the superintendent of the district. Lois took a few years off to give birth to Scott (1953), Jeff (1955) and Barb (1959) but then continued to teach special education.
Jim was a dedicated educator who gave his all to each student that he met. He was a strong leader, had high expectations, but also was very understanding and caring.
When not working, he and his family including a large and loving extended family enjoyed many grand adventures at the bay in Shelton, Washington, where Lois had been raised. He loved the water and the outdoors. He was a very devoted son-in-law, always there when Lois’ parents needed him. He was also a very loving and attentive father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He deeply mourned the death of his son Jeff, a young father at the time.
After retirement, Jim and Lois did some traveling before settling down in Shelton. At the time of his death, Jim had just moved to Palouse, Washington so he and Lois could be closer to their son Scott and his family.
Jim was preceded in death by his older brother, Tom (Mary); and son, Jeff (Kathy).
He is survived by wife, Lois; sister, Mary Lou Frank; sister-in-law, Mary Kent; son, Scott (Patti); daughter, Barb (Bill) Larson; daughter-in-law Kathy (Bill); seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and innumerable loving extended family and friends.
Jim will be buried at the Shelton Memorial Park, near his loved ones, Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. A gathering of family and friends will follow at the Agate Grange, outside of Shelton.
The family requests donations to the Jim Kent Memorial Scholarship, Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 1104, Centralia, WA 98531.
Kramer Funeral Home, Palouse, Washington is handling the arrangements.
