James Fremont Stillwell, Jr.

James Fremont Stillwell, Jr., 79, passed away July 14 in Seattle from complications following heart surgery. He was born May 15, 1935, in Seattle to James and Eileen Stillwell. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and attended the University of Washington. Jim married his loving wife, Sarah Nelson in 1954. They lived in Portland, OR, before moving back to the Seattle area to take over his father's business, Stillwell Construction, which was active in highway construction. The company was one of the first from the northwest to work in Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming and Arizona. Jim was instrumental in the local construction industry and served as President of the Associated General Contractors of Washington in 1975.

Living on Mercer Island, Jim coached football, baseball and basketball. He enjoyed skiing in Sun Valley with the entire family, however, his true passion was boating and the family enjoyed years of boating in the San Juan Islands, the Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound. He also loved the aviation industry and was a licensed private pilot. Jim was one of six original owners of the Seattle Mariners bringing professional baseball to the Seattle area. He loved the sun living in Hawaii and San Diego for the past 30 years. While in southern California, Jim worked for Bayley Construction for nearly 20 years. He returned home last year to live close by his family.

Jim will be greatly missed by his family; sons Mark (Elaine) and Jeff, daughters Suzanne and Mindy, sisters Diane and Margie (Pat), 6 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and Ruth Hartman. Jim was preceded in death by his wife and mother of his children, Sarah, and his first son, Steve.

All friends and family are invited to a celebration of Jim's life on Wednesday, July 23, at the Seattle Yacht Club from 4-7 p.m. Please sign Jim’s online guestbook at www.legacy.com.