James Blake Bedell

James Blake Bedell was born in Bellingham, Washington April 18,1943 to Jack Emner Bedell and Cheryl Annette Neumann. He lived in Bellingham with his mother and grandmother while his father served in WWII. After the war, the family moved to Blaine, Washington until migrating to Seattle in 1951. He attended Shoreline High School and graduated with a BA in English Literature and a teacher’s certificate from the University of Washington. Following college, he taught English, his most rewarding occupation, at the new Woodway High School, in the Edmonds School District. While there he introduced the students to sing-outs, mastered the 12-string guitar and discovered The Blues.

During his time with us he inspired everyone around him to appreciate the small things in life like a nice rainy day or a good family dinner or the magic of watching a spider build its web with a child. He was an avid bird hunter, and explored most areas of his beloved Washington State and Salish Sea during his hunting expeditions. His first love was writing, and he found many ways to use his subtle sense of humor. He was a constant practical joker as many friends and family discovered.

He fought the hard fight against cancer to the very end, preferring his lucidity to reducing his pain. He loved life and lived it to the fullest until July 8, 2021 when his spirit departed.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sonja Bedell, son Peter Bedell (Angie), daughter Natalie Bedell, grandsons Jordan and Ben Bedell, sister Rebecca McNeal (Bob), brother Roger Bedell (Debbie) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He loved them all and was loved in return. He will be missed.

Contributions to your favorite local charity that make this earth a better place are welcome.

July 1 through July 7, 2021

Hard Things to Talk About

But there are thousands of people who are having to pack up their children and leave their homes.

That is a time of confusion and sacrifice. Most of the time they have to leave their families, churches, neighbors.

I feel sorry for them as I am sorry to leave myself. But everybody has to do this eventually.

The time has come for me to make this move. Maybe your Grandpa is somehow needed for a little more work. As you probably know, I believe in God and want to help him do his work.

I have treasure all of you and hope to eventually have a happy reunion.

If it is God’s will, we will part only briefly; then we will be together. (We will be together if that is everyone wish). Meanwhile I know The Lord loves us above all else. He will re-unite us. He just asks that we make this world a better one. Then with eager anticipation, we will see what He has in mind.

Jim Bedell

“The Last Will & Testament of Mossback James”

As this is a will and testament, let me start with the testifying. Foremost, I have been loved every second of my life – from my first breath to this very instant. And I have known it. I have also had the great privilege of living along the Salish Sea for almost 80 years. I know the tides and the landmarks and the clams and the orcas. Even in death, I will never leave nor forget this beautiful world which gave me meaning. If I were to die today, I would only ask that my loved ones be given the same chance for such an extraordinary lifetime.

This I know: God loves us very much. (How could he not considering those he still permits to live among us?)

Whatever the decision, know that I am not the least bit disappointed in the life I have been granted here. I am elated.

I’ll be seeing you,

Jim

June 25, 2021

My Only Love,

I sit here tonight, outside your room, where you spend your final days on this earth. It does not feel real to me. When will I wake from this nightmare to see your face looking into mine, your beautiful blue eye smiling into mine? This can’t be right. It’s not right. I wonder, how will I live without you beside me? How can I live without you beside me? You have been there with me through all my life’s trials, disappointments, successes and most treasured moments. I need you there still.

You treated me as an equal, with respect and encouragement to stand tall and proud of who I am. A precious gift of love. You recognized me as an individual, a woman equally capable of contributing to the whole of humanity. You helped me reach for my stars, and find my way through the difficult moments we all encounter. You held my hand when our babies came into the world and helped care for and raise them to be the wonderful people they are. And in times of my grief, you comforted me and reminded me that life continues as I must.

Who will do that now? Who will wake with me to start the new day, and kiss me goodnight at the end of it? Who will hold me tight and love me as you have since the beginning of our time together? I will miss all of that. I will miss your smile. I will miss your kisses. I will miss your determination, humor, the songs you sing especially for me. I will miss singing with you, trying to make your beautiful music more beautiful. I will miss your joy of outdoors, hunting ducks and pheasants, floating in our canoe with our dogs enjoying the weather bad or good.

This end of life is not so fun. It is not fun to be left alone and separate from the love of your life. I need you to know how much you mean to me and how lonely I will be without you by my side. I need you to know it while I can still tell you so I’m saying it now. Someday I will be with you again. Please remember to look for me. I love you.

Sonja