Richard J Jensen

Obituary Richard James Jensen was born in Tacoma, Washington on July 27, 1931 and passed away at home on May 18, 2016. Dick graduated from St. Leo's grade school and Bellarmine Prep. At Bellarmine, he studied Greek and Latin and participated in debate, elocution, had the lead in two school plays, and graduated with honors. He was student body vice-president and a staff writer for the school newspaper. He earned varsity letters three years in football, basketball and track. He was captain of the basketball team and set a new city scoring record. He later broke that record with another new city record. He was inducted into the Bellarmine Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991. While at Bellarmine, he was elected to be a representative to Boys State of Washington. He was elected Governor of Boys State and as such was selected to attend Boys Nation in Washington, D.C. He was the winner of the "I speak for Democracy" competition. The University of San Francisco awarded him a 4 year basketball scholarship, and he earned three varsity letters as starting center. He also earned a varsity letter for track and field. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in business, he attended the University of Washington law school and earned a Juris Doctor degree. He was Clerk of Ballinger Inn in the International Legal Fraternity of Phi Delta Phi. He became a partner in the law firm of Ursich and Jensen and was involved in trial practice, marine law, and general law practice. He was a member of the Washington State Bar Association, admitted to practice in Federal Court, and was a member of the American Bar Association, the Defense Research Institute, the International Association of Defense Counsel, the Washington Defense Trial Lawyers, and the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association. After the untimely death of Tony Ursich, he became a partner in the Gordon Goodwin law firm, practicing with, among others, Floyd Hicks and Albert Malanca. This firm is now Gordon Thomas Honeywell. He engaged in trial practice for over twenty years before opening his own law office as Richard J. Jensen and Associates. He continued his trial practice in downtown Tacoma and later moved his office to Fircrest. Dick was a member of the Tacoma Elks Club and Fircrest Golf Club. He was past president of the University Union Club and served as a member of the Boards of Directors of Metropolitan Development Council, United Good Neighbors, Fircrest Golf Club, Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, and Bellarmine Prep. While in law school, he married Joyce Miller of Great Neck, Long Island, New York. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July, 2005. They had two children, Beth and Jeff, and two granddaughters, Lauren and Jaclyn. One of Dick's greatest joys was his children. Beth became a lawyer and joined him in his firm as a trial lawyer. They spent many years and hours discussing cases, various aspects of law, courtroom work, politics, and philosophy. Jeff established his own real estate firm, and they regularly had breakfast together discussing business, deals, and life. Dick is back together again with the light of his life, Snoozi (d. 2014). He was also predeceased by his parents Harold and Agnes Jensen. He is survived by his children Beth (Jim Chew) and Jeff (Jennifer Golder, fiancé); his sister Dolores Glump; his grandchildren Lauren T. Jensen and Jaclyn C. Jensen; and his step-granddaughters Katie Chew and Molly Chew. We, Dick's family, extend our sincere thanks to the many medical professionals who made it possible for Dick to remain home. He wanted that more than anything. Our greatest appreciation is for Dick's dedicated caregiver Belinda Kors. She joined our family in 2013. We thank her and her family for being there. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Charles Borromeo on June 29, 2016, at 11:00am, with reception to follow at Fircrest Golf Club. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.