Because Jim and Bob were so close in age, they were inseparable, playing, exploring and enjoying life together ... first on the family farm in Minnesota and then in Seattle during the groovy ’60s.
While in Seattle, his parents belonged to a CB radio club, and the group would camp on weekends. Camping, riding trails on motorcycles and enjoying the outdoors were some of Jim’s favorite things. Jim attended Franklin High School, and in the middle of his senior year, the family moved to Ethel, Washington, where Jim graduated from Toledo High School in 1971.
After graduation, Jim joined the U.S. Navy and served for four years. He served aboard the USS Vesuvius, an ammunition ship in the Vietnam waters. Also, he served on the USS Westchester County, a transport ship in the Western Pacific. He was happy to visit ports in Thailand, Philippines, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore. Also, he loved the Indian Ocean. He would talk about how crystal clear the ocean was and how dolphins would play in the ships’ wake.
Jim married Julie K. Curry on Aug. 6, 1988, and they made their home in Chehalis, Washington, where they welcomed their son, Tygh Andrew, in 1990.
Jim was a very proud father and enjoyed spending time with Tygh. He also loved watching baseball on television, especially the Mariners.
He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans.
Jim is preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie Stephens; father, Grant Maas; stepfather, Wesley; stepbrother, Wes Jr.; and stepsisters, Bonnie Odgers and Mary Juan Case.
Jim is survived by his son, Tygh of Port Angeles; his brother, Bob (Etsuko) of Silverdale; sister, Kay (Jack) Mills of Chehalis; half-brother, Brian (Judy) of Ethel; and a stepbrother, Steve in Mississippi. Also, aunt and uncle, Karen and Verne Carey in Windom, Minnesota, and Marylou and Ed Stephens in Mossyrock, Washington. He has 10 nephews and many cousins.
A graveside service honoring Jim will be Friday, May 8, at noon at the Toledo Cemetery.
