James Walter Bichsel

Obituary James (Jimmy/Jim) W. Bichsel, Jr. passed away suddenly at his home. He was born in Seattle, Washington to Jim and Barbara McIver Bichsel on January 3, 1951, the third of nine children. He was married to Linda Patten, his partner, best friend and loving companion for 34 years. After graduating from Holy Rosary, Bellarmine Prep and Central Washington State University, Jimmy worked for Pacific First Federal Savings and Loan (later Washington Mutual) as an Assistant Vice President. He retired in 2011 from The Boeing Company, where he had been a Project Manager in both Auburn and Renton. Jimmy was an avid athlete, playing football for both Bellarmine and the University of Puget Sound. He was a long time slow-pitch baseball player, girl's slow-pitch coach, and played rec league basketball. He was an avid boxer who won three Smokers. Jimmy loved working out and used to greet his brothers with his "weight." Jimmy will best be remembered as an exceptionally likable, kind and loving person. He lived his life giving to others. He was the manager of the first Farmer's Market on 12th and "K" Street in Tacoma. He donated countless hours to the Tacoma Catholic Worker renovating the Guadalupe House and Jean's House of Prayer and volunteering at numerous fundraisers. Jimmy loved to laugh and had a generous heart. His warm, engaging smile and love for his family and friends will leave him in our hearts forever. Jimmy affected the lives of everyone he met as a caring and unselfish person who always had time for his family and friends. His love for his family, and his joy and pride in his two granddaughters, will always be treasured as we remember all of the good times we shared. Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, James W. Bichsel, Sr. In addition to Linda he is survived by his step-children Tiffany (Mike) and Jon, grandchildren Hailey and Mandy, mother Barbara, eight brothers and sisters; Mark (Carol), Bill (Cheri), Laurey (Steve), Terry (Debbie), Joanie (Jackson), George, Elizabeth (Phil), Marianne (Wiley) as well as many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and cousins. We will always love you Jimmy. Take care of yourself. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at noon at St. Leo Church (710 South 13th St. Tacoma, WA). Family suggests contributions be made to St. Leo's Food Connection, 710 S 13th St., Tacoma, WA 98405.