James (Jim) Ellis Engle

December 14, 1942 - July 23, 2019

Posted

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, community pillar, hunter, humorist, helper, best friend, family oriented, generous and caring.

James Ellis Engle passed away suddenly on July 23, 2019, in Port Townsend, Washington. He was born December 14, 1942, in Coupeville, Washington. Jim was the third of five children born to Robert E. Engle and Iris I. (Minahan) Engle. He attended Coupeville schools, graduating high school in the class of 1961. He attended his 50th class reunion in 2011.

In December of 1961, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn A. Nuss. Three children were born to the couple, James Farlin Engle, Michael Dean Engle, and Jana Sharlene Engle. The marriage dissolved in 1972.

Seeking employment, he was hired on with Sahli Construction, where he worked as an equipment operator and boom truck operator for two years. Filling in his time off, he coached women’s softball. For several years he coached Little League baseball and Pop Warner football. In 1972, Jim joined the BOPE#0317 (Elks) and held three offices.

September 21, 1973, Jim married Joyce E. (Sullivan) Mathews, in Port Townsend, Washington. They joined his three children and her five children creating a family of eight. In December of 1974, Jim and Joyce had a daughter, Loretta Dawn Engle, which would make child number nine, binding the family together.

With his wife already secretary of the Jefferson County Fair board, Jim started to volunteer. In 1974 he became president of the Fair Board. He also joined the Port Townsend Fire Department as a volunteer and went to work for the City Water Department with Jack Fields. He served as Water Superintendent for 28 years. Jim was called to work for Jefferson County Public Utilities #1 to oversee their water system under Jim Parker, he worked there for two more years.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Iris Engle, bother Bob Engle, brother-in-law Don Derkland.

He is survived by his wife Joyce of (almost) 46 years, brother Len (Terri) Engle, sister Ellen Derkland, sister Jan (Dan) Olson and sister-in-law Cheryl Engle. Jim’s three children and their children. Son, James Engle his step-son David; son Michael and Maryann Engle their children Erin (Tim and Elle Walstad), Dalton (Amy and Violet and Sophie Engle) and Miranda Engle; daughter Jana (Engle) Bast her children Riley and Mitchell Bast; daughter Loretta (Engle) and Tim Nelson (Tyler, Willie & Brandie). Also surviving are his children by marriage and their families Belynda D. Hirschel (Derreck, Patrick, Melanie, Hailey, & Shawn), Theresa L. Bishop (Justin & Austin), Timothy A. Mathews (Dwight, Dakota & Cordell), Cynthia J. Bishop (Jeremy & Britt), and Jason E. Mathews.

He was a proud grandfather to all 24, proud great-grandpa to all 18. Proud uncle of many nieces and nephews and many cousins.

Jim was cremated under the direction of Kosec Funeral of Port Townsend.

There will be a private memorial for the family at Kosec Funeral Home on August 6th , 2019 at 11am. Followed by a service to honor Jim at the Port Townsend Elks which is open to the public at 1pm to 3pm. 555 Otto Street, Port Townsend, off Hwy 20.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to a Cancer Fund of your choice, Elks, East Jefferson Fire and Rescue or the Jefferson County Fair.