James LeRoy Corkill, 88, a former Sedro-Woolley resident, passed away on November 20, 2017 in Port Orchard, WA.
Jim was born on May 5, 1929 in Porterville, California, the son of William & Madeline (Enslin) Corkill. He was raised and attained his education in Porterville.
In 1948 he enlisted into the U.S. Navy where he proudly served his country as a submariner during the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. He retired from the Navy in 1971 as a Lieutenant Commander after 23 years of service. While stationed in Hawaii he met Corey Lohman and they were united in marriage at Pearl Harbor on October 20, 1963. Jim was transferred to Vallejo, CA in 1966 and then Bremerton in 1968. In 1971 they moved to the Skagit Valley living in Sedro-Woolley.
Jim attained a teaching degree from Western Washington University and taught industrial arts at La Conner High School for several years. He and Corey later moved to Bow where they raised Appaloosa horses and Jim worked as a rehab counselor at Portal on the Northern State Campus in Sedro-Woolley.
Jim was a member of the George Baldridge Post 43, American Legion for over 45 years, the Mount Vernon Elks Lodge #1604 for over 45 years, and the Moose and Eagles Clubs for over 20 years. Leisure time found him RVing and fishing.
Jim is survived by his children, James Corkill of Otto, NC, Patrick ‘Bill’ Corkill of Pensacola, FL, Scott Corkill of Monterey, TN, Laura Corkill-Broussard of La Fayette, LA, and Shannon Kellington of Port Orchard, WA; 4 grandchildren, Kimberly & Patrick Corkill, George Crowder and Jordan Kellington; 3 great-grandchildren Brandon, Garrigg & Piper Crowder and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Oscar; sister, Mildred; grandson, Jayson Crowder and his wife Corey.
Graveside Inurnment services with Military Honors will be held at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at 2:00 PM. Cremation and services are under the direction of Lemley Chapel Sedro-Woolley.
My father is at peace now. Reunited with family and friends who have passed before him. There is comfort in that.