Obituary of James Nokes

James Murray Nokes February 11, 1943 – July 19, 2024 James Murray Nokes, (Jim, Jimmy) also Husband, Brother, Dad, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and always Friend. Jim passed away on July 19 at Tacoma St. Joseph Medical Center following a courageous battle with a failing heart. Born in Seattle, WA and raised in West Seattle with his four brothers and only sister. Jim graduated from West Seattle High where he excelled in three sports basketball, baseball and football were as a starting linebacker won 1962 city championship. Following graduation Jim attended Olympic Junior College for two years before joining the US Army for three years. Jim started his working career at Washington Iron Works and following his apprenticeship became a journeyman molder making steel castings. His expertise and great attention to detail made him a leader in his trade. Following the closing of WIW Jim moved on to work as warehouseman with Fisher Flour Mills. At Fisher Mills, he worked his way to Superintendent. Fisher sold to Pendleton Mills and he relocated to Vancouver Washington and continued with the new ownership to his retirement 2013. Jim was a renowned fastpitch softball player accruing numerous awards and honors including being on the 1980 Peterbilt fastpitch softball team that won the ASA National Championship, USA National Sports Festival Championship, and Pan-Am Games. He continued his fastpitch pursuit that included playing the game well into his 50’s to embrace playing on the same team of his son John. Jim was inducted into the Greater Seattle Fastpitch Hall of Fame in 2000. He was also an avid golfer at Lake Limerick GC and a powerhouse bowler at Westside Lanes in Olympia chasing and attaining the 300 perfect game Vancouver WA. in September 1997. He leaves behind his beloved wife just 2 months short of their 30-year anniversary, Debbie Nokes, children, John (Debbie) Nokes, Debbie Johnson, Derek Nokes, Jason Nokes, brothers Jerry (Sheila), Joe, sister Irene (Dean) Dyson, grandchildren Brittney, Tyler (Porcsha) ,Alyssa, and Morgan Johnson, Jacolby (Kassie), Kaela, Max and Hannah Nokes. Great-grandchildren, Nnamdi, Annaya, Alaia, and Mateo. As well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his parents George (Joe) and Della Nokes, brothers John and George Jr. and Sister-in-Law Lottie. Memorial services will be held on August 16, 11:00AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church Seattle, Washington. Reception to follow at Holy Rosary Gymnasium.