Family Obituary
J
ames Asa BLUE Was born in Wichita, Kansas, April
27, 1929. After a valiant fight, Jim went to be with recently accepted
Lord on May 23. He died peacefully with his dogs nearby and Pam singing
hymns to him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alta Emma and
"John" "E" Blue, his brothers, Don of Huntsville, Alabama, Gene of
Wichita, Kansas and his sister, Arlene of Quency, Florida. His wife of
58 years, who was also in his East High School sweetheart, Jeanne Ann
remains in their Lake Stevens residence. He leaves his daughter, Teri
Cantu and son-in-law, Ruben Cantu of Texas, son, Jim Blue and
daughter-in-law, Tracy, and daughter, Pam Benson and son-in-law, Bill;
all of Washington. He also leaves grandchildren, Amy VandenBosch, Helen
Morgan, Shawna Stash, Kevin Rhodes, Michael Blue, Megan Blue-Juardo,
Adam Blue and Alisha Blue, 7 great grandchildren plus 4 nieces and 6
nephews. As a young man, Jim was a Marine. Later on he supported his
family working full time at Boeing while attending Wichita University
full time. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration in
June just days before the birth of his son. He was transferred to
Washington by Boeing Wichita in about 1958 to the Minutemen Program
near Federal Way. He worked 45 years for the Boeing Company. Starting
in a part time job in the warehouse at the Wichita plant, at about age
16; he retired as a Corporate Vice President of Boeing in Washington.
His career afforded him numerous opportunities to make international
friends and business acquaintances which lasted for a lifetime. Jim
played baseball in the Marines and both he and his father played for
teams in the Midwest, and are honored in the Kansas Baseball Fall of
Fame. Needless to say, baseball was one of his biggest passions
throughout his life. He held season tickets to Mariners and Seahawks
game for lifetime. He was on the Board of Directors for the Seattle
Museum of Flight, and was instrumental in purchasing and donating a
MIG-21 fighter jet in honor of his brother, Don, who had been a pilot
for the Marines. He also was a key player in working with Lord King
from Great Britain and others to get the SST donated to the Museum of
Flight. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, fishing,
boating, waterskiing and bird hunting. He and his bird dogs walked many
miles in many fields on those hunts. He instilled loyal relationships
and a very strong work ethic into his family. Daddy had a wonderful
gift of making people like old, lifelong friends, even upon first
meeting. Anyone who has known him for even a short time will probably
tell you, with a smile, that he was one great story teller. He was
loyal and generous man who will be greatly missed by many people. At
his wish, his remains will join in a family plot in Greenwood, Kansas.
In memory of him, live and love life and people fully with the
resources and capabilities God has given you. Donations in Jim's memory
may be sent to North Snohomish Little League (425-308-2604) PO Box
1473, Snohomish, Wa 98291, Noah Animal Adoption Center (360-629-7055)
31300 Erandstrom Rd, Snohomish, Wa. 98292, or Pasados PO Box 171
Sultan, Wa. 98294. Published in print on 5/26/2007.
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