James Richard Theofelis

James Richard Theofelis Sr, better known to all of us as Jim, passed away on Tuesday, February 9th, 2016 at 11:35 pm. Born in Butte, Montana on December 4th, 1934 and raised by his parents Louise and Frank Theofelis; he leaves behind his brothers John Theofelis, George Theofelis, Louie Theofelis, sister Sindy Theofelis and was proceeded in death by Frank Jr. Theofelis and sister Francis Theofelis.

He graduated from Boys Central High School in 1953, where he met the love of his life Mary “Toni” Bastidas. Right after high school he enrolled in the U.S. Army where he proudly joined the Airborne Rangers division. He relished telling his family countless stories of his Army days and sharing his pride for his country.

While on leave from the Army, Jim and Toni were married on August 2nd, 1955. They both proudly proclaimed it was the best decision they ever made. From the beginning, both were dedicated to the life they saw themselves building together. A life that was better for their children then what they had known but grounded in the roots of their own humble beginnings. Jim never missed an opportunity to share a story or tell a tale about the land from which they originated, Montana.

As part of the quest for a better life, Jim pioneered out to Seattle by himself to secure a new beginning for his family. He landed in West Seattle and soon his wife and family, which had grown to include three children; James Jr, John, and Judy, came out to join him and set up deep roots in the West Seattle community. He and Toni purchased their one and only home in the Arbor Heights neighborhood. Over the years he volunteered for many different organizations from coaching West Seattle baseball, to the 34th District Democrats, but no place was he more at home, and loved spending his free time, then at Our Lady of Guadalupe. Jim was absolutely committed to his faith and never wavered in his belief of the Lord and the Catholic Church.

Jim began working with Boeing in 1962 and retired in 1996 after 34 years of distinguished service. He formed deep lifelong friendships during his time there and was very proud of the work he did but never lost focus that his true mission was to provide for his family.

Life after Boeing brought the unique gift of time for him and Toni where they were able to travel and spend time with their children and grandchildren. Trips to Ireland, Mexico, Hawaii, and California often with Toni’s sister, and Jim’s life long friend, Nita Frankovich as well as many other friends and family. Jim noted that while all of the trips were wonderful, nothing was ever quite as special as getting in the car with his beloved co-pilot Toni at his side, taking long drives around the state of Washington, with no destination in mind just to stop somewhere to have a bowl of soup and a cup of coffee.

Jim leaves behind his three children; Jim Theofelis Jr (Marica), John Theofelis (Jenni), and Judy (Ray Navarro). He leaves behind six grandchildren, and six great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews spread across Montana, Wyoming, California, and Washington. He is proceeded in death by the love his life, his soulmate, and best friend, Mary JoAnn (Toni) Theofelis.

There will be a Vigil for James Theofelis at Our Lady of Guadalupe in West Seattle on Friday, February 26th at 7 pm. The Funeral is February 27th, and will be also at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, at 10:30 am. Reception to immediately follow at the Our Lady of Guadalupe gymnasium. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Our Lady of the Rockies Butte Montana, 406-782-1221.