James "mike" Michael Belford

James Michael "Mike" Belford passed away December 17, 2023 after a very brief illness.

Mike was born January 8, 1952 to Donald and Cecilia Belford and was the 4th of six children. He grew up in the Olympia area and graduated from North Thurston High School Class of 1970. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy as a Seabee spending most of his time in Guam.

Mike met Diane while at the Forest Service Christmas party in 1994. They were married January 18, 1997. They brought together a blended family.

Mike worked as an Electrician at Cowlitz Stud Mill in Morton, Washington, where he met many cherished friends. He worked as a Journeyman Electrician at Seattle IBEW Local 46. He loved his work as an electrician and shared his knowledge with many.

He loved Scuba diving, boating, fishing and just being in the outdoors.

After retirement, Mike and Diane traveled to Mexico several times and through many States in their 5th wheel. An unforgettable trip was the Alcan Highway trip to Alaska. Several trips were made to the Washington and Oregon beaches to watch sunsets.

He loved watching his grandchildren play sports. He had a special place in his heart for the MWP Timberwolves.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather William Junk, his brother John Elder, his sisters Dianna Walker and Karen Williams, stepbrother Steve Junk, sister-in-law Debbie Belford, nephew Matthew Bednarski, and daughter-in-law Jamie Elledge. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Diane Belford, his children Sean (Lena) Belford, Summer (Ryan )O'Meara, Sasha (Josh) McPherson, Stephen Belford, and bonus children Reuben (Tonya) Elledge, and Tammy (Keegan) Kelly, brother Patrick Belford, sisters Sharon (Michael) Lloyd, Vicki (James) Cline, brother-in-law Robert Walker, sister-in-law Michelle Elder, mother-in-law Phyllis Rickets, brother-in-law Fred Rickets, sisters-in-law Terri (Larry) Mays and Ragena (Leon) Foster, 17 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces. He had a special, cherished connection with his nephew Darius (Liz) Elder.

Mike will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Refreshments will be served immediately following in the Chapel's Hospitality Room.