Obituary of James Edward Boone
James E. Boone, 70, Shoreline, Washington passed away a year ago on November 16, 2021 after a long battle with thyroid cancer.
Jim was kind and loving. He had a dry sense of humor, a quick wit and good problem-solving skills. Jim always put others before himself, treated people with honesty and was always there to help.
Jim was a journeyman machinist. He started at The Gear Works in 1972 until 1990. He continued his career at Markey Machinery, retiring in 2016.
He loved music (especially the Beatles), his train and slot cars, photography, astronomy, (made his own telescope) genealogy, bowling, slow-pitch softball, and doing the daily crossword puzzles from the Seattle Times and New York Times. He always enjoyed organizing the March Madness pool at work each year as well.
Jim is survived by his wife of 36 years, Deanna; daughters Annie (Michael); Maggie (Drew); son Sam; three grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; his sister Bev; brother John and cousin Jeanie.
He was preceded in death by his parents Myrtle and Jacob, his sisters Eileen and Pat and his brother Randy.
Jim and Deanna were married in 1985. It was love at first sight. They loved each other so much and were so happy and grateful to be together on their 36th wedding anniversary.
Jim was a loving father. He was so proud of his children. He attended each of their sporting and musical events. If not coaching their sports, he was in the stands cheering them on wearing his shorts regardless of the time of year. He also loved taking the kids to Carkeek Park to watch the trains and explore the shore.
During the children’s adult years Jim continued to stay connected with them in many ways. He shared his love for photography with Annie. They loved taking pictures of family, nature, and, especially, Mt. Shuksan in the North Cascades. Maggie has her dad’s talent for drawing and math. In recent years, she also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles with her dad. Jim also shared his love and knowledge of the game of baseball, how to play and its history, with Sam. Jim loved watching Sam play slow-pitch softball for the Stickmen, Jim’s longtime team, for a summer when Jim could no longer play.
Jim also loved the Pacific Northwest, especially Seattle, the Puget Sound, burgers at Dick’s drive-in, hydroplanes and walks along the waterfront in Edmonds. The family also had many summer vacations together at the Sandpiper at pacific Beach on the Washington Coast.
Jim had so much courage and strength during his numerous cancer treatments and surgeries. He battled five different types of cancer over the past 15 years. He just kept living his life to the fullest and was so thankful for each day that he had.
It’s hard to believe a year has passed since his death. Jim was saddened with the reality that he would be leaving this earth. He wanted to enjoy being with his family and especially watching his grandchildren grow up. He knew we would all be together again someday in heaven. We miss him so much. It is hard to believe he is gone, but his spirit and memories remain.
