Page created by: J Nikkel

Jim cherished and appreciated life's gifts, and used them to the fullest. In Winnipeg, Manitoba on December 25, 1930, Marvin James was born to George and Martha Nikkel, their fourth child of six. His family lived in rural poverty, and as a youngster he displayed a creative, independent spirit, dreaming of travel to faraway destinations, and captivated by the ideas of sailing vessels, airplanes and even the possibility of outer space travel. His parents thought the last notion was pretty fanciful-- not practical for the times. Eventually Jim did travel to the far east. When he was around 20 years old, in Vancouver BC Jim first saw Louise at a church event. He admired her gracious, gentle nature. The two became abiding life partners for over 57 years. Family and friends all considered Jim a true storyteller who was always candid, always honorable, sometimes larger than life, and ever proud of his loved ones. His ability to maintain a positive outlook was evident to everyone who knew him, and positivity helped him overcome health issues throughout his adult life.

After residing in both Seattle and Vancouver, Jim and his family settled in Edmonds, Washington in the mid 1960s. He told his children that he would say 'proud father of four' when asked for personal details, as well as proudly adding his work. An entrepreneur for many years, Jim's long career included fundraising and public relations for numerous corporations and non-profit agencies. We remember stories of people from all different backgrounds as well as meeting many of his associates. A devoted fan of Star Trek, Jim once met 'Spock' at a Variety Club benefit for Children's Hospital - just one highlight. Among his accomplishments and talents were writing, public speaking, and singing. A choir director and then song leader at three churches over many years, he was known for his beautiful voice and was asked to sing at special events like weddings. Family vacations with four kids had always involved camping in some form. A vacation tour of Oahu with friends changed the course of our lives. We discovered the aloha spirit, and that led to new adventures.

After their children had left home, Jim and Louise set out for Honolulu to make Hawaii a reality. She found a job as a magazine copy editor, and he worked on developing the Pacific Aerospace Museum. One of his 'duties' was to interview folks who had flown planes during the WWII era! In 1989, the sixth year of "living their dream", Jim was diagnosed with Parkinson's. Despite the health challenges he faced, he maintained a full life, which included time with friends, hosting visitors from the mainland a couple of times each year, church activities, working (of course) and even a few lessons in tennis with two rackets. In late 1993, the couple said a wistful goodbye to many friends in their second home and moved back to the Pacific Northwest. Family lived nearby, and Jim also kept in touch with extended family and friends, even as the disease made mobility increasingly difficult. During this time, his inner strength and sense of humor were clear in his journal writings. Besides providing an outlet, one goal of his journaling was to leave a sort of road map for someone living with a serious disease.

Jim's fortitude was evident throughout his 21-year battle with Parkinson's. He never lost sight of the possibilities that life had to offer. He was with family at his passing on October 29, 2010. Jim's loving wife joined her soulmate in 2015. His honesty, faith, and optimism inspired many, and gave us a great lesson in the power of positive thinking. A tribute to his inspiring life is one way to honor the memory of our dad, brother, uncle and Gramps.