James"Jim" McGhee

Jim McGhee received his wings on May 1, 2010. After years of being trapped in his body by ALS he is free. Friends and family know to look for him in the out-of-doors he loved, on the water or around the campfire at Crescent Bar, or anywhere friends gather to reminisce. Jim was born in Astoria, Oregon on March 6, 1938 to Lou and Alice McGee. The family moved to Seattle, settling in the Queen Ann area. Jim was joined by brothers, Donald and Kenneth. As the family grew up, stepfather Bob Anderson joined them. During high school he was a devoted drag racer at tracks around the area. After graduation he pursued different career options, finally finding his home at Seattle City light. In his 30 years there, he was a lineman, dispatcher, and line crew foreman, also teaching apprenticeship classes. In 1958 he married Shirley Adams. They had three children, Laurie, Mike and Tom. In 1981 he married Pamela Simonson and became a stepfather to Christine Simonson. After retiring from Seattle City Light, Jim and Pam moved to Cashmere to build their dream home. Jim loved the out-of-doors, and was an avid boater, water skier, snow skier, golfer, gardener, RV’ enthusiast and putterer, Friends were a major priority to him, and he enjoyed getting together with friends and family. He especially enjoyed daughter Laurie’s annual Fathers Day gatherings. Whenever possible he traveled with his Golden Retrievers always named Goldie, and his Siamese cats always named Myting. He is survived by his wife Pamela at home, children Laurie and husband Jim Berbells, Michael and grandchildren Melissa and Monica, Tom and wife Lisa and grandchild Wyatt, and brothers, Don and Ken. Many heartfelt thank you’s to Dr. Toby Long, Dr. John Ravits, his devoted caretakers, Cathy Kurtz and Ramona Bailey, and the friends who always kept in touch and helped the family with the day-to-day problems. Their help will not be forgotten. At his request the family will hold a celebration of his life on Saturday, May 8, starting at 1:00 pm at the family home. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Jones & Jones ~ Betts Funeral Home, Wenatchee, WA.

Tributes

James"Jim" McGhee

March 6, 1938 - May 1, 2010