James Jim E Booth

James Booth died in Olympia, Washington on October 18 at age 70 after a prolonged fight with anaplastic thyroid cancer. This is a rare form of aggressive cancer that affects approximately 300 people a year in the United States. Because of the nature of this cancer, Jim participated in an experimental drug program at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, MD prior to his death in hopes buying more time for himself while helping research for a treatment specific to the disease. He was a brave lab rat but the new drug under study was unable to help him.

Jim was born on October 18, 1941 in Sequim WA. He attended all grades in the Sequim School system, graduating in 1959. After a brief trip to Mexico with three classmates he joined the Navy at age 17. He served a 4+ year hitch and after his discharge attended Western Washington University, graduating in 1968 with a degree in Economics. He was on the President’s Scholarship list numerous times while at Western, which was a sharp contrast to his average academic performance in high school. He worked for several State Agencies in Olympia until he retired in 1995. Retiring on his first day of eligibility, he enjoyed staying active. Among his many interests were motorcycling and remote river kayaking. He loved getting lost from civilization and greatly enjoyed being where it was quiet enough to think.

A son who died shortly after birth and his parents Fred and Mary Booth predeceased Jim. His wife Nancy at the family home survives him in Aberdeen. Nancy was his friend and soul mate and the best blind date that he ever had. He died 2 days short of their 33rd anniversary. Other survivors are his daughters Jamie Parker and Jennifer Etheredge and four grandchildren, his brothers Tom and sister in-law Gail in Olympia WA, Lonnie and sister in-law Kathy in Sequim WA, cousin Barbara Booth in Sequim, and numerous nieces and nephews.

At Jim’s request there will be no services or memorials. Always of dry wit and appreciative of irony, at the onset of his illness Jim was helping get his outdoor equipment ready to sell when he came across a decal he had put on his river kayak some 1000 river miles ago: "He who dies with the most toys still dies." Those who knew and loved him will miss him.

Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, Anaplastic Thyroid Research.

Arrangements under the direction of Olympic Cremation Association, Port Angeles, WA.