Jimmie ‘Jim’ Leroy Brisbin, age 87, a longtime resident of Burlington, Washington, passed away following a brief stay at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham, September 12, 2023.  He was surrounded by his loving family.  He was born March 17, 1936, in Arlington, WA to Howard and Julia (Lien) Brisbin.

Jim graduated from Arlington High School in 1954.  He married Jean Aalmo January 18, 1958, and they spent the next 50 years together.  He worked in the sawmill industry and construction (including explosive work in the making of Snoqualmie pass) before working at the State of Washington, Department of Licensing for 29 years.  His reputation as a “stern” license examiner is still talked about in the valley today.  After retiring from the State, he went back to hands-on outdoor work with Ploeg & Tjeerdsma Construction for approximately 10 years.

Jim loved his children and was extremely active in every aspect of their life, including Cub Scout Leader, Punt, Pass and Kick Leader, boys’ baseball and girls’ softball coach.  There were yearly family vacations, camping, traveling, and enjoying their time together.  As well as enjoying sports with his kids, he also played on a softball league on both sides of the mountains.  Once the kids were grown, Jim and Jean loved RV’ing across the United States, cruising, and snow-birding in Arizona where they both took up golf and enjoyed golfing at various locations during their travels.

In addition to being a devoted family man, he also passionately served his community.  When the family moved from East Wenatchee to Burlington, he joined the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department, where he served for 25 years, including many years as the President of the Volunteer Association.  He spent much time driving the Fire Truck, and he enjoyed serving the community at the annual pancake breakfast fundraiser with his fellow firefighters.  He also was deeply involved in fraternal organization in the local community.  He served as President of the Jaycee’s in East Wenatchee, President of the Eagles in Burlington, Exalted Ruler of the Mount Vernon Elks and was also a member of the American Legion, and VFW.

After Jean passed in 2009, he was fortunate to meet and marry Alice Wiseman and her family in 2011.  Jim opened new adventures for Alice, traveling to many destinations that Alice had not seen.  Jim and Alice continued to winter in Arizona as well as traveling to California to visit with Alice’s family for many years.  Both Jim and Alice were active in the Mount Vernon Elks, working diligently on the Washington Elks Children’s Therapy program.  They both donated countless volunteer hours to the Elks and their many charitable endeavors.

Jim is survived by his wife, Alice; brother, Andrew (Dottie) Lien; sister, Dorothy Ross; daughters, Debbie Davis and Terri (Steve) Scown; son, Jimmy (Denise) Brisbin; grandchildren, Kevin (Whitney) Davis, Samantha (DeVaughn) Wilson, Melanie Brisbin, Kim (Don) Boland, Bryan Scown, Brandy and Tabetha Brisbin; great grandchildren, Jacob Kurst, Hunter, Henley, McKenzie Davis, Julia Wellman, Celestia Hicks, Fiona and Donald Boland, and Charlie and Amelia Scown; numerous nieces and nephews whom he adored.

When Jim married Alice on June 25, 2011, he gained an additional family and became their bonus father and grandfather.  Children, Lorrie (John) Klien, Rick (Maryjo) Wiseman, Tracey (Curtis) Metz, Clint Wiseman and Danny (April) Wiseman; grandchildren, Phillip (Larrissa) Brock and Natasha Brock, Michael and Laila Towman; great grandchildren, Jaicix, Dameak, Christopher and Jeremiah Brock.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Julia (Lien) Brisbin; wife, Jean; siblings, June Dellwing, Elaine Anderson, Howard Brisbin and Phyllis Thoms; step-son, Michael Wiseman.

Jim was raised as a Lutheran and was committed to his faith throughout his life.  He was a member of the Arlington Lutheran church and later transferred to Edison Lutheran Church.  During his final days, Pastor John Guthridge of Edison Lutheran Church was a tremendous confidante and spiritual comfort to Jim.

Jim lived a full and happy life and touched many people throughout his years.  He will be greatly missed.

A Remembrance Service will be held at 11:00, Friday, September 29, 2023, at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley, Pastor John presiding, followed by inurnment at 12:30 at Greenhills Cemetery, Burlington, and then reception at the Mount Vernon Elks.  Share your memories of Jim and sign the online guest register.