James Alfred Trueman passed away peacefully at his home in Sedro-Woolley on Friday, June 27, 2014, surrounded by his loving family.  The second of three children born to William and Mary (Albertine) Trueman, he was born in Lyman, Washington on February 20, 1928. 

    Jim attended Lyman Grade School and graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School with the class of 1946.  Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Japan as a mechanic, earning the Army of Occupation Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and honorable discharge with the rank of Sargent in 1948.

   Jim married the love of his life, Patricia Moritz on August 11, 1950 in Sedro-Woolley, where they made their home and raised their three children.  Jim worked as a foreman at the Shell refinery in Anacortes for over 30 years, retiring in 1984 to the farm on Hoehn Road where he turned his passions to gardening and raising cows, always surrounded by his family.  He loved outdoor activities; camping, fishing, hunting, clam digging and always the mechanic for the extended family, he enjoyed repairing cars, tractors, lawn mowers, anything that should work but didn’t.  Everyone recalls Grandma Mary’s favorite phrase, “get Jimmy, he’ll fix it”.       

    Jim was raised in the grips of the Great Depression and the loss of his father when he was 8 years old.  Thanks to a strong mother and supportive family and community, he and his brothers grew strong; developing a powerful sense of family connection and life-long work ethic.  Jim was a role model in every aspect of his life; husband, parent, relative, friend, or employee; he was the best imaginable, a true man of integrity.   Jim was an amazing person who surrounded himself with great family and friends; he was loved by many and will be greatly missed.  

    Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Patricia; sons Randy and David; daughter, Karen Saldivar, her husband, Rick and their children, Jared and Heather, and Heather’s fiancée, Kenneth Knudsen Jr.; his brother, Dick and his wife Marie, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Mary; Step-father, Cecil McDougal; brother, Harold, and nephew, Larry Trueman. 

    Special thanks to Hospice of the Northwest and to Home Attendant Care for the care they gave Jim.  

    Everyone is invited to a celebration of Jim’s life at the First Baptist Church of Lyman, 31441 West Main Street, Lyman, WA on Sunday, July 6 at 4:00 PM.  Private interment will be at the Lyman Cemetery.