James Francis Strachan

BREMERTON - James (Jim) Francis Strachan of Bremerton passed away peacefully on February 8 after a brief hospital stay. Jim was born in Los Angeles on November 2, 1927. He lived every day of his 96 years full of energy, dancing, golfing, fishing and happily working on yard and garden projects at his home and his much-loved lake cabin. Jim spent his early years in Los Angeles, moving to Bremerton with his family as a teenager. He graduated from Bremerton High School in 1945 and enlisted in the Army at the age of 17. He completed his basic training in Fort Hood, Texas, and served in Japan during WWII reconstruction. Following his discharge, he returned to Bremerton where he attended Olympic Junior College and began his meat cutting career. He worked at Minder Meats, TB&M, H&E Meats, and owned his own meat market, Jim’s Meats, in Silverdale in the 1960’s. As he was beginning his career and honing his dance skills, he met Blanch Riddle at a local dance. They were married in 1953 and settled in Bremerton. Sons Jim and Doug soon followed. Jim and Blanch remained in Bremerton their entire lives, moving to the current family home near Kitsap Lake in 1966. Blanch preceded Jim in death in 2003. Jim leaves behind his beloved wife, Marlene Strachan. Jim and Marlene met while playing badminton at the Silverdale Senior Center in 2004. They enjoyed a long courtship, where Marlene played a pivotal role in rousing his spirits and bringing joy and purpose back to his life. They danced with Jim’s lifelong circle of dance friends, took cruises and road trips, played cards, and spoiled grandchildren. They were married in 2008 and supported each other through good times and all the rough patches life threw at them. Jim embraced Marlene’s daughter Pam Obie, her grown children Phillip and Diane, and grandchildren Charlotte and Bryce, as his own. Jim was a hard worker who enjoyed all manner of outdoor projects. A relaxing day for him was to drive to his cabin near Belfair, do a little hedge pruning, spread a huge pile of bark, cut the grass, then toss his fishing line into the lake at the end of the dock. He was a playful and engaging father and grandfather. He mowed his neighbors’ lawns and maintained the grassy median on the cul-de-sac near his home. He was a generous man who shared whatever was needed with those who surrounded him. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge. For most of his life, Jim was a man who loved sweet treats, Coca-Cola, ice cream, cookies, pies and cake. When anyone in the family tried eating more healthily, someone would remind them to notice Jim at age 70…80…90…who’d just come from McDonald’s with a hamburger, fries and a large vanilla shake. Jim is survived by his wife, Marlene, sons Jim (Mariann) of Whatcom County, and Doug, of Bremerton; grandchildren Tarah Strachan, Dan Strachan and Sara Cline (Gary); great grandchildren Bella and Hudson; his sister, Margaret Dues Williams (Jay), and sister-inlaw Jennie Strachan, as well as beloved nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was preceded in death by Blanch, and his brother, John Strachan. Memorial donations can be made to Seattle Children’s Hospital, the Audubon Society, or a charity of choice. Arrangements entrusted to Lewis Funeral Chapel in Bremerton, Washington.