James Robert Seifert

On Sunday, January 29, 2017, James (Jim) Robert Seifert passed away at the age of 88 at his home in Ellensburg, Washington. Jim is survived by his wife, Karen Rolcik, her daughters Janelle Rolcik and Patti (Rolcik) Woodruff and Ron Woodruff, and grandchildren Ben and Megan. Jim is also survived by his daughter Sally (Seifert) Williford and her husband Josef of Seattle; his son James Seifert of Homer, Alaska, and his son Robert Seifert and wife Christy of Maple Valley. Jim was also blessed with extended family in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, including four grandchildren (Jamie, Aaron, Lorenda, and Kayla) and their families including five great-grandchildren.

Jim had a long and successful career in the US Navy, enlisting in 1951 and serving aboard the Submarine Sea Devil (SS400) in the Far East during the Korean conflict. He entered flight school at Pensacola in 1953 and was designated as a Naval Aviation cadet in 1954. He flew patrol bombers over the North Atlantic, Mediterranean and Caribbean. In 1957, he became a flight instructor and later served in Bogotá, Columbia. In 1963, he served aboard the USS Bennington as a helicopter antisubmarine pilot. In 1966, he assumed the command of the Portland, Oregon recruiting station; in 1968 Jim was Executive Officer at Adak, Alaska before transferring to the base at San Diego where he retired as a Lt Commander in 1971.

He spent his retirement in Cle Elum as a successful businessman. He enjoyed bridge, traveling, and later served as Chaplin for the VFW Post 1373. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be missed by all.

A service will be held at Cle Elum Community Church on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. located at 201 E. 3rd Street, Cle Elum. Donations at the Veterans Coalition of Ellensburg, Washington in lieu of flowers are preferred. A private military burial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements under the direction of Steward & Williams Tribute Center, Ellensburg, WA.