James Alexander Sinclair Borthwick, R.I.B.A.

June 5, 1933 - September 4, 2022

Raise your glass, and toast the Scotsman with a single malt - or other drink of your choice! Jim left our world holding hands with his wife and daughter, listening to Frank Sinatra’s music, and sadly missing a 100th birthday party for a special friend.

Now 2023 has begun without his traditional firstfoot. For over 40 years, Jim was always the first person to cross friends’ thresholds after midnight, bringing gifts which signaled good fortune for the coming year.

Jim was born at home in Edinburgh, Scotland to Georgina and David Borthwick, brother to David, Margaret and Jessie.

He earned his architectural degree from the University of Edinburgh. He began his practice in London, Stockholm, then Edinburgh before being invited to join the architectural firm of Stone, Marraccini and Patterson in San Francisco. He later joined McLellan and Copenhagen architects where, as President, he was proud to receive an AIA award for one of the firm’s Stanford campus buildings.

Jim began his career designing post-war public sector housing, but mainly specialized in medical and laboratory facilities. He was part of the design team that developed a building technology system which found wide-spread application for hospitals built after the 1972 San Fernando earthquake.

Residential design was another of his pursuits. That began in Edinburgh where he and a friend took title to the property for their homes, and surprisingly became feudal landowners. Jim’s title: Laird Borthwick of Clermiston.

In all of his professional endeavors, his leadership, talent, integrity, and thoughtful and meticulous work was apparent.

On weekends, he was also in his element at the helm of his sailboat, on the golf course, or on the dance floor. Major travel adventures began the day after he retired.

Members of the clan keeping Jim’s memory alive are his wife Judy, daughter Jennifer (John) Barsotti, son Andrew (Stephanie Skogseth), grandchildren Justin (Rachel), and Brandon Borthwick, David and Claire Barsotti, great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews in the United States and abroad.

Jim’s drawing board now lies empty. But groundbreaking will soon begin for the Barsotti residence in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho!