James Lewis Ross

James Lewis Ross, 88, quietly passed away Dec. 29, 2023, under Hospice care at LovingCare AFH in Vancouver, Wash., due to complication from covid.

Jim was born Nov. 18, 1935, in Hettinger, N.D., to Carl and Irene Ross. He was raised in Auburn, Wash., where he graduated from Auburn High School in 1954.

He married Arlyce Watkins Dec. 31, 1956, in Hettinger, N.D., and they made their first home in Seattle.

Jim served in the Coast Guard in Seattle for two years. He and Arlyce then moved to Sedro-Woolley, Wash., where he was employed as a grocery clerk for Tradewell Company and as a school bus driver for the Sedro-Wooley School District.

Jim loved spending time with family and friends, camping, traveling and playing games. He had a strong faith and loved spending time with their ministers and many church friends in Skagit County and Longview/Kelso.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Arlyce Ross; a son, Darrell; three daughters, Lynette, Katherine (Dennis), and Charlotte (Darren); two granddaughters, Amber (Jared), and Heather (Eric); two sisters, Shirley (Fred), and Lyla; and several nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Marilyn; a brother, Cliff; and a son-in-law, Anthony “Donga.”

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coworker and friend. Jim will be remembered for his smile, the twinkle in his eye, and for having a cookie in his pocket.

The family is grateful to LovingCare AFH for taking wonderful care of Jim.

A private family service will be held.