James ("Jim") William Johnson Passed away, at home and with his family at his side, on September 19th at 12:30AM, after a short bout with pancreatic cancer. He was 57.

Jim was born in Tacoma, WA on March 25, 1954 to Richard and Marlyss Johnson. Growing up in Midland, WA, Jim attended Franklin Pierce High School, and was an Eagle Scout, guitarist, and an avid skier. He attended Western Washington University, the first day at which he met Cindy Johnson, his wife of 36 years. The two moved to Kirkland in 1978, where Jim committed the entirety of his heart to family, cars, skiing, and boating. As a member of the Yarrow Bay Yacht Club and later the Seattle Yacht Club, Jim shared a contagious passion for boating and, above all, the San Juan Islands.

Jim worked in the floor covering industry for over 30 years, beginning as a salesman and, though moving into management positions over time, he always remained "in the field." From June 2008 until his passing, Jim was President at Wanke Cascade, during which time he was devoted not only to the business's success but also to the success of its people.

Jim is survived by wife Cindy, sons Kyle and Adam, mother Marlyss, daughter-in-law Elanor Wolff, siblings Richard Jr. and Trina Marsh, and beloved cat Tiger. A service in celebration of Jim's life will be held at the Seattle Yacht Club (1807 E Hamlin St.) on Sunday, November 6th, 2011 at 2:00PM. According to his wishes, at a future date, Jim's ashes will be distributed in the San Juan Islands.

In his memory the Johnsons ask that donations be made to the Lustgarten Foundation www.lustgarten.org for research to cure pancreatic cancer.

Source: News Tribune (Tacoma)