James R. Johnson

Mary 14, 1941 -- February 28, 2024

Jim was truly a Seattleite--Coe Elementary, Queen Anne High, University of Washington and a proud member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity.

He joined the US Navy ASW Squadron in 1960 where he served 2 years active and 8 years reserve.

Jim as hired out of college as a Marketing Director of Tacoma Mall Corporation, then moved to Southcenter when it was built. He continued his Allied Career as Leasing and Marketing Manager for the Allied properties, Northgate, Southcenter, Tacoma Mall and Columbia Center Kennewick in Washington State.

For the next 15 years Jim served in various capacities at KIRO Inc, which was owned by the Bonneville Corporation. He retired as CFO for KIRO Inc. to take on the leadership of the Washington Athletic Club where he would spend the next 15 years until retirement in 2012. During his years at KIRO he had the opportunity to spend time with some of the greatest leaders of our generation, Gordon B Hinckley, Stephen Covey, Rodney H. Brady and a host of others.

Jim traveled extensively over the years but never thought any place compared to his little log cabin on Hood Canal. It was his peaceful place for quiet and solitude for 45 years.

Jim's service at the WAC was truly the most rewarding of his life. He was a firm believer in mutual respect and never wavered on his integrity. Jim was also a true patriot and a visionary. Recently he was described as "tough but fair" by an employee who had reported to him for years.

One of the accomplishments he was most proud of was being involved with the creation of the Seattle Police Foundation where he served as president for 2 years. He was a board member of the United Way of King County, Prime Minister of Seafair in 1998, Program Director for Seattle Rotary, and President of Marketing Communications Executives International. He dearly loved Seattle and the downtown community.

Jim accomplished most everything on his bucket list and dearly loved his wife, Anna and children, Dan (Melissa) Teri and Kirsten (David). He adored his new granddaughter, Annika who brought him great joy in his final months.

Jim's enduring legacy of kindness and Leadership has touched many lives in his business and personal life. We will miss him and hope to honor him by carrying on his legacy. Jim set the bar for integrity and mutual respect. He was kind, sensitive and smart--and leaves a life well lived.

Comments

He was a wonderful man. True goodness. I miss him.

Suzanne Morss