Bernard James “Jim” Gorum, age 73, of Sedro-Woolley, Washington passed away June 5, 2022. He was born April 25, 1949, in Bellingham, WA to Frederick and Roberta (Hammer) Gorum.
Jim attended, and graduated from, Mt. Baker High School in Deming, Washington. He had the honor of marrying his high school sweetheart, and love of his life, Connie Kosa on April 12th, 1969, at Immanuel Lutheran church in Everson, Wa. Shortly after that, in August of 1969, Jim was drafted into the Army and sent to serve one year in Vietnam.
Jim enjoyed fishing and hunting. He loved living in forks, Washington, he said it was the most beautiful place in the world! Jim especially loved to visit Goodman creek. The mouth of Goodman creek opens up to the ocean and this is where Jim would spend time doing some of his favorite things, fishing and harvesting the best butter clams he ever had.
Jim spent 30+ years working as a hooktender in the woods.
Jim was a very social man who loved to have a good time. He had so many friends that in his heart he loved like family. Jim could light up a room with his smile and his laugh was contagious.
Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years, Connie; children, Nicole (Jeff) Andersen; Kelsey (Rochelle Warner) Gorum and Cassidy (David) Dent; grandchildren, Trey, Chase, Lauryn, Kenna, Kailani, Mason, Kelyn “KJ”; sisters, Beverly, Barbara and Betty; brother, Brad, and many loving relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Bonnie.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00, Friday, June 17, 2022, at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley, Pastor Steve Fish presiding. A reception will follow at the Sedro- Woolley Eagles Club. Share your memories of Jim and sign the online guest register.
jim was sorry i missed your reception at the eagles and funeral service. was gone at the time .was looking at your obituary brought tears to my eyes. you wete a good friend i could be sad and walk in and see that smile and the sad would be gone. we had same quick wit same kinda sharp sence of humor we saw funny things in things no one else did. i just loved laughing at funny things no one else would even find funny. so enjoyed your spirit. your family are so lucky to have you in their lives. i bet you were the best grandpa the way you talked about them. and father. and husband. see you someday where we can see you smile and hear you laugh..so sorry connie and family for your loss he was a one of a kind person.
Connie & Family- So sorry and sad to hear of Jims passing. It has been many years since I worked with Jim in the Forks area but they were some of my best memories. my condolences.
So sorry to hear about Jim, prayers to you and your family.
I am so sorry Jim has passed away. What a great classmate, and friend he was. I hope you receive some comfort in knowing how many lives Jim touched and that there are so many grieving with you and your family.
A good friend and fellow VN vet ‘brother’. A humble, lovable, and very kind man.
Dear Connie, Cassidy and family
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Cassidy- you’ve shared so many fun stories about your dad over the years. You loved him unconditionally and always were proud to call him dad. You will cherish his love forever.
Take good care of your beautiful and sweet mama. xoxo❤️
We were so sad to hear that Jim’s life has come to an end. Going althrough grade school, Jr and Sr. High together meant many bus rides, ball games, and other school activites that Diana and I shared with Jim as well as Barbara and Connie as well. We are thankful that Jim enjoyed his life, surrounded by family and friends, and activities that brought joy and happiness to his life. I will remember him most as a hard working and gifted basketball guard and a tough baseball catcher who always gave his all for those you played with him. Blessings on all of you who are adjusting to life without his daily smile and love. Lowell and Diana Bakke
Jim worked for my husband a long time ago at Al’s Chevron in Mount Vernon.
This was before he was sent to Viet Nam. We loved his fun, fun ways and he became one of our favorites. Have missed knowing him all these years and are
saddened knowing his personality is no longer with us. Our heartfelt thoughts go to all of his family. His obituary was well written about the young Jim we knew.
Farewell solider. Say hello to Bonnie from her 1960 boyfriend.