James Hall Donner

James Hall Donner passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at Providence Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, April 3rd after suffering a massive stroke on Good Friday. He is survived by his wife Geraldine (Geri), two sons and daughters-in-laws Ric and Crystal Donner and Mark and Rose Donner. He especially loved spending time with his five grandchildren, Alexander, Abigail, Samantha, Mary and Gabe, sharing ice cream or large milk shakes as a substitute for a good dinner. He had a soft spot in his heart for his latest black lab (Katie – Hattie – Cinder – Susie – Sadie I and Sassy Sadie II) who was always at his side.

Jim was born at Snohomish General Hospital to Phyllis Lorraine Hall and Nicholas Macken Donner. He attended Snohomish High School, graduating in 1955. He then attended Everett Community College and the University of Washington. He was drafted into the army before he could finish his studies.

Jim loved and lived at Warm Beach in Stanwood WA, residing there for more than fifty years. He was always up to lending a helping hand to neighbors and friends. Teaching them to fish, cut wood, go crabbing and encouraging who to vote for, preferably Republicans. Jim and Geri’s kitchen was known to many for its open-door policy and engaging and warm conversation. You could always find Jim in his fashionable sweats, with an easy smile on his face.

Known to many as “Mr. Republican” and renowned for his skills as the political whisperer, Jim was continually involved in local activities and politics for more than five decades. He strongly believed “A person’s opinion changed against their will is of the same opinion still” but he persevered nevertheless. Jim’s political career began via the Washington State Jaycees in 1964, serving many roles including President. He was deeply committed to his community and worked tirelessly in the political realm to make positive change. He served as a Principal Advisor to his son Mark’s development firm Westcott Homes. Being a small business owner himself, he was particularly adamant about changes in order to strengthen their success. Recently, he was appointed to the Evergreen State Fair Advisory Board, he was really looking forward to that work.

Jim’s priorities were his family, and spending time with his wife. He met his wife Geri on a blind date in 1983. They were married in San Francisco and have been happily married for 34 years. They enjoyed their time at the beach house and making many memories on their travels to San Francisco, New York, Breckinridge, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia.

Services are being held on Sunday April 22nd at 2:00 pm at Thomas Family Farms, 9010 Marsh Road, Snohomish WA. The family invites you to the Memorial to share stories with friends and family.