James Edward Knudson

Obituary With his family by his side, James Edward Knudson passed away peacefully on February 15, 2011. Jim had waged a valiant six-month battle against pancreatic cancer. Jim was born in Tacoma, WA on May 1, 1953 to Irene R. and Edward W. Knudson. He attended Holy Rosary Parish grade school and graduated from Bellarmine Preparatory School in 1971. He attended Santa Clara University graduating in 1975 and immediately entered Jesuit Volunteer Corps, serving in Fairbanks, Alaska, 1975-1976. While in Fairbanks Jim met the love of his life, fellow Jesuit Volunteer Donna Kling, and they married in 1978. Jim joined the faculty of Bellarmine in 1978 teaching both Spanish and French. In 1989 he earned a masters degree in counseling at Seattle University and continued until his death as a member of the counseling staff at Bellarmine. Jim loved the theater, and during his tenure at Bellarmine oversaw technical production for the award-winning drama department. Jim was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hiking, biking, kayaking, and cross-country skiing with friends and family. A highlight of his hiking career was his nine day completion of the Wonderland Trail - a 93-mile circuit of Mt. Rainier. Jim had an abiding interest in Northwest Native American Art and executed several challenging paintings and carvings in faithful respect of this tradition. Jim and Donna have remained active members of St. Leo Church in Tacoma. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Irene and Edward Knudson, and sister, Gail Avakian. He is survived by his wife, Donna Kling Knudson, son Joel Knudson (Tanicia Perry) of San Jose, CA, and daughter Katia Knudson of Seattle, grandchildren Max and Samantha Perry Knudson, brother Gary Knudson (Martha Scoville) of Tacoma, and brother-in-law Mark Avakian of Rose Lake, ID. Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. at St. Leo Church, 710 South 13th Street, Tacoma, Friday evening, February 18, followed by a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Leo Church on Saturday, February 19 at 11:00 a.m. Reception will follow at the Bellarmine Student Center, 2300 South Washington. Memorials may be sent to Bellarmine Preparatory School, 2300 S. Washington, Tacoma, WA, 98405, for the Jim Knudson Scholarship Fund. Please leave on-line condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home 253-572-6003.