James L Bemis

Born in Bozeman, Montana on January 3, 1931, Jim was the third son of Ralph Edward Bemis and Edna Pearl (Richards) Bemis. He married Sylva Regina Dorcy on September 9, 1949, in Bellingham, WA. On August 14, 2015, he gently laid his head on Sylva’s shoulder and peacefully passed from this life into his heavenly reward. Jim was preceded in death by his sister Marge and his brothers Ralph and Norman. He is survived by Sylva his wife of 66 years; his sister Barbara (Dick) Riehl; children Kelly (Nancy), Burdette (Bruce) Lott, Molly (Dan) Markwick, Jeff, Loring (Martha) and Kathleen; 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren (with 2 on the way!).

Jim was a dedicated member of Our Lady Star of the Sea (OLSOS) Parish since 1958; St. Vincent De Paul chaplain and cheerleader; Knights of Columbus Post 1389 chaplain; and Legion of Mary Chaplain. He was an Eagle Scout, Scout Master and President of Olympic Area Council BSA; former chair United Way. He worked extensively with the Western Washington Bureau of Indian Affairs. He was a volunteer at the Max Hale Center for the homeless and low income and participated in Prison Ministry for inmates at the women’s correctional facility in Purdy. The Bemises fostered 13 teenagers.

Jim was orphaned at 4 years of age. He moved through homes in Montana, Idaho and Washington until he and his siblings were fostered by Robert E. Crompton in Bellingham. Jim’s love for education began early and started him on a career path spanning 47 years in education. He graduated from Bellingham High School in 1949. In 1952 he completed degrees in Teaching and English from Western Washington College of Education. Jim completed graduate studies at WSU. He taught in the Bremerton School District from 1956-1966. From 1966-1973, he was an instructor and then became Dean of Academic Instruction at Olympic College. He was instrumental in starting OC’s extension classes in Belfair and Poulsbo. Through Big Bend College he directed the Veteran’s Administration Overseas Education Program in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. Jim was the Principal of Our Lady of Fatima and then St. Edward’s schools in Seattle from 1978-1987. He became the Director of Religious Education for Our Lady Star of the Sea from 1987-2007. In 1989 he became a permanent Deacon at OLSOS, retired in 2007, and continued as Deacon Emeritus for Star of the Sea. Jim will always be remembered for his profound religious beliefs, and it was his Faith that allowed him to continue as Deacon Emeritus for Star of the Sea, even after suffering a brain injury. He will be remembered and missed by many!

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday August 25, 2015 at 11:00 am at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Bremerton with a Rosary beginning at 10:30 am in the Church. There will be a reception in the Parish Hall after the service. The burial is at Miller-Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Vincent de Paul, Our Lady Star of the Sea School or your favorite charity.