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James Michael Pirie, Sr., 76, passed quietly May 15th, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. He is survived by his cherished wife, Juanita, his three kids and their spouses – Jim (and Sahara), Tom, and Lisa (and Adam) Behringer – as well as his three dear grandchildren, Emma, Lucy, and Milo.

Jim was born at Providence Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, February 5th, 1938.

Jim was a graduate of Pasco High School, in Eastern Washington, class of 1955 and later attended the University of Washington, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Jim made a professional career in the commercial construction industry, working with Howard S Wright Construction before starting his own construction firm, James M. Pirie Construction. During his career he contributed to many well known projects in the Seattle area, including the Seafirst Tower, the Seattle Space Needle, the Kingdome, and the first Ronald McDonald House for Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Jim will be remembered most for his kindness, his caring and his ever present smile. A loving husband and doting father and grandfather, he took an active role in family life. He was always willing to get involved and help where needed. Ever present at his children’s sporting events and school performances and ready to get down and play with his children (and grandchildren) at a moment’s notice. Quick of wit and a laugh that would fill any room, he always tried to bring levity and humor to even the grayest moments. A man of honor and integrity, a role model and mentor to others and a philanthropist, Jim strongly believed in helping others and the community when they were in need. Jim had a strong belief in the value of family and a great love for “The Big Man Upstairs”.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of an Extraordinary Life Fully Lived will be held at Bethany Community Church (8023 Green Lake Drive North, Seattle, WA 98103) on Saturday, June 7th, 2014 from 3:30PM to 6:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to Seattle Children’s Hospital.


Comments

Marcia Weddle Corum
Posted May 27, 2014 at 6:16 pm
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I worked with him when he was at Howard S. Wright Construction Co. and so admired him. He was always so very sweet, nice, positive and always had a smile on his face. I’m thankful to Bill Price (who also worked with him) for letting me know. He will be missed by many who were blessed to have known him.

Dave Ederer
Posted May 28, 2014 at 7:50 am
Simply a mam’s man. A go to guy. He was a good one. Lots of memories!

Melissa Waters
Posted May 28, 2014 at 9:48 pm
Words will not ease the pain or the sorrow you will walk through during this time. Cousin Jim as I knew him, my grandpa was Tom Canham, Jim’s Uncle. I have fond memories of Jim visiting my grandpa and many stories of Jim from my grandpa. He talked often of Jim. I know you all have many wonderful memories to hold dear and a kind man that was full of love to celebrate. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, I do know without a doubt, my gramp was there with a smile, open arms and maybe a round of golf to greet this wonderful man, Jim Pirie, Sr. I promise!
With love,
Missy
Thomas R. Canham, Sr.’s Granddaugther

Gail (Johnson) Mains
Posted May 29, 2014 at 3:05 pm
I went to high school with Jim at Pasco, WA & we graduated in the same class (1955). Haven’t seen Jim for so many years, but always enjoyed his company and he was blessed with good looks and a happy smile.

G. Miller-J. Frisbie
Posted May 30, 2014 at 6:28 pm
Jim was a classmate of ours at Pasco High School (class of 1955). He was also a Kappa Sigma Fraternity brother of Gary’s at the University of Washington. He was very smart, good natured and fun to be around. We have fond memories of Jim – although we saw very little of him over the years and we are sorry for that. He was a good man.

Gary Miller and Judy Frisbie (Mylerburg)

Marty McKinley
Posted May 31, 2014 at 8:38 am
I have seen Jim off and on for the last 4 years when he would come into Bartell Drugstore, where I work part time, to bring film in to be developed. We both graduated from Pasco in 1955…The last time I saw him he picked up my hand and kissed it…I was very touched. He was a sweet man with a great big smile…I will miss our visits!

Herb Schoenfeld
Posted June 1, 2014 at 2:37 pm
Met Jim through our mutual association with our kid’s participation in King’s High School sports programs. Became good friends. Jim was a stand up man of God, who touched so many lives with his generosity and strength. He will be missed, and best of all, remembered by family and friends.

Rob Balfour
Posted June 3, 2014 at 6:47 pm
It’s been a long time since I shared time with Jim as our boys grew up. Shared happy times fathering them in the cub scouts. He was a great father to his kids and will be sorely missed. Rob

Bill Williamson
Posted June 7, 2014 at 9:45 am
We will all sorely miss Jim’s friendship, intellect, skilled decision-making, and can do spirit. I’ll always remember those piercing intense eyes that greeted you along with the powerful handshake. As my dad would say, he was the “Real McCoy.” You could always trust in his judgment and friendship.


Dianna Williams
Posted July 31, 2016 at 10:38 am
I was so lucky to share an office with Jim at Howard S. Wright Construction in the '60s. I was Jim's secretary, but he always treated me as an equal. He made me laugh all day long; what a joy it was to work for him. I saw something that reminded me of the company yesterday and Jim's name popped into my head. I Googled to see how he was doing, in hopes that he was happy and well. I am so sad to learn of his passing and am certain his family misses him terribly. I wanted to share that Jim was a truly decent, delightful, supportive co-worker and friend. My heart goes out to his family.


I was so lucky to share an office with Jim at Howard S. Wright Construction in the '60s. I was Jim's secretary, but he always treated me as an equal. He made me laugh all day long; what a joy it was to work for him. I saw something that reminded me of the company yesterday and Jim's name popped into my head. I Googled to see how he was doing, in hopes that he was happy and well. I am so sad to learn of his passing and am certain his family misses him terribly. I wanted to share that Jim was a truly decent, delightful, supportive co-worker and friend. My heart goes out to his family.

- Dianna Williams


I was a boyhood friend of Jim’s: 7th and 8th grades, Grand Coulee Jr High back in 1949-50. We both lived in the temporary Terteling housing project in the Pleasant Valley area. We delivered the Spokane newspaper together and went to the Ellensburg Rodeo. Great memories.

-Bob Helmick