James Lee McCoskey

James L. McCoskey passed away on Sunday, December 19th at his home in Gig Harbor surrounded by his family.

Jim was born in Terre Haute, Indiana to James and Rose (Hunter) McCoskey On December 21st, 1942. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 32 years, Beverly (Dura) McCoskey, who grew up in Harwood, North Dakota. He valiantly and courageously battled non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma for six years with grace and dignity. His stoic and determined attitude was admired by all who knew him.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his only sister Linda West and daughter Dana McCoskey. He is survived by daughter Jamie Harris (Mike) and five stepchildren, Kevin (Janeen)McLaren, Kent (Deborah) McLaren, Kimberly (Lynn) Hawkins, Drayton (Delci) McLaren, and Stephanie (David) Hinchliff, also 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, niece Kimberly Broussard, and cousin Judy McGregor.

Jim graduated from high school in Riley, Indiana, and he then proceeded on to college at Purdue University before transferring to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. After graduating from college Jim served honorably as an officer in the army during the Vietnam War, stationed at Cam Ron Bay.

Jim and Beverly were members of the Fox Island Yacht Club for nearly 30 years. Jim was a Commodore in the year 2000. It was a source of many long-lasting friendships. After retirement, Jim and Bev enjoyed the RV life for several years traveling to Arizona in the winter months and then enjoying many stops along the way. They also enjoyed attending rodeos throughout the Pacific Northwest with five other couples known as “The rodeo/RV bunch,” including a memorable trip to the Calgary Stampede in Canada as a highlight. Jim had a well-honed sense of humor and was considered ‘one of the nice guys’ by all who knew him.

 A graveside service will be held at Haven of Rest in Gig Harbor, Washington for family and close friends. Due to weather, Covid, and the holidays a celebration of life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lymphoma Society through Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in Jim's name.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Lee McCoskey, please visit our floral store.