He was born in Madison on Aug. 6, 1947, to Herbert Allen James and Myrtle Helen Strand. Jim was a graduate of Central High School (1965) and Madison Area Technical College with a degree in architectural technology. He worked several years using his creative talent for Kitchen Mart in Madison. In 1978, he moved to San Diego, Calif., followed by Prescott, Ariz., working as a licensed general contractor. He was very good at remodeling homes and also built several doctor and dentist offices. His work rarely had to be advertised due to referrals. Jim's home since 1990, has been Everett, Wash., where he continued working as a licensed general contractor, running his own business and spent several of those years working with Fisher Development Inc. as a building superintendent. Some of his projects included the GAP store in downtown Seattle, Wash., as well as many Banana Republic and Old Navy stores all across the country - quite an unmatched talent! Jim will be remembered for his wit, sense of humor and fun loving, outgoing personality. He enjoyed returning to Madison to visit family and friends, especially in the fall when he could attend a Badgers football game.
Jim is survived by his wife and companion of 30 years, Patricia; daughter, Pamela (Dennis) Strand Zerkle; two grandchildren, James (Sheena) and Faith; a great-grandchild, Jackson; his six stepchildren; eight stepgrandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren. Other survivors include a sister, Maureen (Jerry) Syverud of Temecula, Calif.; brother, Gary (Diana) of Madison; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Herbert Frederick Robert.
Jim's wishes were to be cremated. A gathering of family and friends will be held at Main Depot, 627 W. Main St., Madison, on Friday, Oct. 22, 2010, beginning at 4 p.m. If you cannot attend the memorial, condolences may be sent to his daughter, Pamela Strand Zerkle, 514 W. Madison, Waterloo, WI 53594.
"You will remain in our hearts and memories forever.
Originally published on the Wisconsin State Journal on October 17, 2010.
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