James “Jim” Loyd Earley, age 82, passed away December 24, 2021, at home in Concrete, Washington. He was born January 29, 1939, in Brownsville, Texas to Monroe and Elsie May (Baker) Earley. He was the oldest of five children, Jerry, Sidney, Yavonne and Cindy all of whom preceded him in death.
The Earley family moved from Texas to Willits, California in 1956, when Jim was a Senior in high school. He played football for Lancaster High School and was a star lineman. At a church picnic he met Ramona Tarr during a game of Red Rover. You could say he “sent Ramona over” because the two were married in December of 1957 until her death in 2000. They moved their family from Tracy, CA to Concrete, WA in 1975 when they bought Tarr’s Resort (AKA Baker Lake Resort) from Ramona’s Aunt Alida. They sold the resort and Jim went to work for Seattle City Light in 1980 until his retirement as the Projects Manager in 2003.
Through his years in the Concrete Community Jim was a very integral part of the youth Sports Programs. He was instrumental in starting the Concrete Lions Boosters Club in 1977, lending support to all of the Concrete High School’s sports program and was an active member until his death. He served on the Concrete School Board for many years. Any given night you could see Jim out at the football or baseball fields coaching boys, or just giving the coaches a word or two of advice. He coached and influenced boys and girls of all ages and shaped the youth of the upper valley for so long it would be hard to find anyone under the age of 50 that he did not influence in one way or the other. He could be seen coaching the boys in Babe Ruth Baseball while Mona kept score. And they loved it.
After Mona’s passing, Jim had a wonderful relationship with Valerie Moody who was his life partner until his passing. Jim and Val traveled to Australia, England and all over the USA. He said on many occasions that most men only find one true love in their lifetime, but he was lucky enough to have found two. Valerie was a true and loving companion for Jim until his death. She is a true lady.
He leaves behind his daughters, Sonda Earley of Concrete, Billie (Tony) Bjornstad of LaConner; grandchildren, whom he loved so very much, Katie (Tyler) Colwell of Concrete, Rusty (Allie) Wilson of San Diego, Kyle Wilson of Concrete, Levi Lowry of Birdsview; great-grandchildren who brought so much joy to him in the end, Cail and Luca Wilson of Concrete, Maddox Wilson of San Diego and Landon and Evelyn Colwell of Concrete. The family would also like to acknowledge Arthur, Juan and Eli Sanchez whom he thought of as his own and loved very much.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; all of his siblings; wife of 45 years, Ramona Evelyn Tarr Earley in 2000; son, Dennis Earley in 2005; daughter, Jeri Lynn Earley Lowry in 2016.
We would also like to thank Cathy Lowry for being there and the Nurses at the Sedro-Woolley Oncology who were amazing and made his time there much easier.
Please send any donations to the Concrete Lions Boosters Club at any Savi Bank.
Share your memories of Jim and sign the online guest register.
Billie, Sonda, Val & All,
I am just finding out about Jim!! So very sorry to hear this news!! Jim was one amazing man salt of the earth!! I would see them quite often the past years and always so nice to chat. My sincere condolences to all. Rest In Peace Jim
Jim was the greatest! He started in our lives as my husbands boss, then after he retired, he was my youngest sons coach and mentor. Could always count on Jim for the absolute truth and a smile to take home with you. Truly a treasure who will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace Jim.
I met Jim Earley when I came to Concrete in 1985. Jim was so many things to his community but was a treasure to the young men he coached from the youngest ages of little league sports to high school. The sheer number of players he helped become better people is hard to measure. They were so lucky to have him in Concrete and his contributions to the sports programs and school touched many people. Jim and the other stalwarts who started and maintained the booster’s club built facilities, fields, grandstands, dugouts, all over the area. He was the designer and carpenter boss on many projects and working with him and all the others are fond memories for myself and many coaches.
We were fortunate to have him develop our young men and athletes in both football and baseball. His tough but compassionate ” Texas Love” will be remembered by his former players forever. Our programs in Concrete would not have achieved much of what they did without Jim and others like him.
Personally, I owe him much and will not forget his influence on me. They must have needed a good man up there.
Ron Rood
Jim remained a member of the Concrete Lions Booster Club up until his passing and served as its president for two terms, 2001-2002 and 2002-2003. As long as his health permitted, he attended school athletic events and supported the kids and community. His indomnitable spirit and support will remain with us and his memory will inspire us to work together, to give of ourselves for the benefit of others.
It breaks my heart to hear of Jim’s passing!!! Such an amazing man with a heart of gold. Concrete lost another good one!💔
Jim,
You were Les’s best friend at City Light and a special friend to me. There was so much to admire about you. You were always willing to help; you were kind and loving and so much more. You gave Val your love and a constant space which she needed and deserved. I’ll miss the breakfasts spent with you and Val. I will always be grateful for being able to share a part of your life. Thanks, Jim
I loved James for marrying my sister, Ramona! He was always kind to me. I remember, like yesterday when their first child, Sonda was born. They lived a little outside of the town of Willits, CA. I used to go out and babysit for Sonda while they went out for a “date”. Times were simpler in those days but very sweet. I pray that the Lord will be in the lives of the remaining Earley Family and that He will continue to bless their lives when they seek Him and serve Him in their lives! Aunt Polly
He was mister Concrete, always trying to help his community and friends. He will be missed by many
Ted William Anderson former Skagit county commissioner
Memories of Jim…we hired Jim to help build our house…he could build anything and I could always get Jim to change Clyde’s mind in my favor..lol..a kind, talented, easy laugher….the man was just a lot of fun to gab with and I know he will be sorely missed by us and this community! Huge hugs to Billie and Sonda..you sure had a wonderful father!!!
I knew Jim And his son Dennis when i was about 13 as i played youth football and they both were the football coach at that time.
As my father’s older brother and my uncle, Uncle Jim was a truly amazing and inspirational person and will be missed greatly.
I have fond memories of our family visits to the Baker Lake Resort and to Uncle Jim and Aunt Ramona’s home to hang out with our cousins. I remember a time when I was a sophomore in high school and was thinking about not playing football any longer. Uncle Jim encouraged my to stick it out and finish. I did and continued to play throughout my high school years and so grateful that I did. I made so many memories and built some life long friendships as a result. It likely wouldn’t have happened without Uncle Jim’s guidance. Thank you!
My father held a special place in his heart for his older brother and I know they are once again enjoying their time together.
Sid
Thanks Dad for everything you taught me. For being there for Rusty and Kyle. For everything. I hope Cecil was there waiting and your off on another adventure. Say Hi to everyone and we will see you again. Love you Forever.