James Raymond Ramseth

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather James Raymond Ramseth passed away peacefully on January 18th at the age of 85. James was born in Faribault, Minnesota and spent his early childhood days in Fargo, North Dakota before the family moved to Seattle in 1949. He started his education in a small one-room school in Fingal, ND, followed by elementary school at St. John’s and St Benedict’s Schools in Seattle. He graduated from Bishop Blanchet High School (where he met the love of his life, Patricia) in 1958, He graduated from the University of Washington in 1962, earning his degree in Pharmacy. He married his sweetheart Patricia while at the university and they proceeded to have four amazing children Peter, Theresa, Geoffrey, and Renee. He had a very successful career, owner of three pharmacies across his nearly 50 years, with his main one in Covington, Washington for over 40 years. Given his dedication to his patients, it was difficult to pinpoint a time when he actually retired.

James is preceded in death by his loving wife of nearly 60 years Patricia “Tish” Ramseth and their son Geoffrey Ramseth. He is survived by his children Peter Ramseth (Lisa), Theresa Strutynski (Adam), Renee Samuelsen; 10 grandchildren; and 6-1/2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Bob Ramseth (Connie) and sister Barbara Avoilio (Vic).

James was very active in Pharmacy, as an adjunct professor at the University of Washington, as past president of the Washington State Pharmacy Association (WSPA), National (APhA) Pharmacy Association and the Norwegian Pharmacist’s Association. He was a recipient of the Bowl of Hygiea in 2006. He also hosted his own call-in radio program on a local radio station for many years. He also was active in pharmacist rights advocacy regarding “conscious rights,” and worked with a team to take and win the case through the Washington State Supreme Court. He was also very civic-minded, being heavily involved in the Covington Kiwanis group. He was a devoted Catholic and was involved in a number of faith and administrative groups at St Anthony Church in Renton. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus for 62 faithful years, which included being a 4 th Degree Knight, Chancellor and Faith Director in his Councils.

Funeral services will be held at St Anthony Church in Renton on Friday, January 30th; a Rosary will be prayed at 10:15am followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00am and reception at 12:00pm. Interment will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery in Federal Way at 2:00pm.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) in James’ name.