James Randall Gifford

Born May 22, 1930, in Seattle, Washington and went to be with his Lord September 29, 2012, in Burien, Washington. He is preceded in death by Margie, his wife of 53 years. He is survived by his children, Cathy (Bill) Moor, Connie (Dwight) Corella, Pat (Mike) Worden, Pam (Murray) Idler, Jamie (Becky) Gifford, Randy (Kelly) Gifford, his 15 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, his two brothers Ken and Jack Gifford and his sister Kay Saxwold. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 9, 2012, 6:30PM at Grace Church,10323 28th Avenue in Seattle. Arrangements entrusted to Yarington’s Funeral Home, 206-242-2771, www.yaringtons.com.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE

James Randall Gifford (aka Jim, Jimmy) was born on May 22, 1930 in Seattle, Washington to James and Genevieve Gifford. He had five brothers and four sisters, and was raised by his father and older sister Margie after his mother died when he was three years old.

Jim was a West Seattle native, graduating from West Seattle High School and attending Seattle University on a basketball scholarship. On December 14, 1951, he married the love of his life, Margie Cooper and they raised six children together.

He worked for many years at the Bethlehem Steel Corporation in West Seattle, where he was the Storeroom Manager. After retiring from the steel mill, he worked for over 30 years at Grace Church, retiring this past June 2012.

Jim loved sports! He played basketball and baseball at West Seattle High, and went on to play both basketball and baseball at Seattle University, until he left school to support his family. He was on bowling teams with his siblings in West Seattle, and pitched in a local fastpitch softball league for many years. After he retired from playing, he enjoyed attending and watching sporting events. He faithfully attended his children's, grandchildren's and even great grandchildren's sporting and school events, always lending his love and support. He was devoted to his family and rarely missed a birthday, graduation or wedding.

Jim enjoyed watching old Westerns, keeping up on the news, arguing politics, teasing his wife and children, West Seattle Monogram Club events, going out to lunch with his wife, children, siblings and friends, and walking with his friends. He also enjoyed annual trips to Disneyland and Cannon Beach with his extended family.

He accepted the Lord as His Savior in 1963, and Jim's love for God was very real, most recently evidenced in his battle with cancer. He handled it with strength, dignity and as always, love and concern for his family.

Jim was an amazing husband, dad, grandpa, brother and friend, and a Godly role model for all of us.

Jim greatly grieved the loss of his wife Margie in 2005 after 53 years of marriage. He is survived by his sister Kay Saxwold, brothers Ken and Jack Gifford, his six children: Cathy and her husband Bill Moor; Connie and her husband Dwight Corella; Pat and her husband Mike Worden; Pam and her husband Murray Idler; Jamie Gifford and his wife Becky; and Randy Gifford and his wife Kelly; his fifteen grandchildren - Christy (Moor) Price and her husband Kevin; Kyle Moor; Shawna(Moor) Steenback and her husband Mark; Kimmie Moor; Nicole Corella; Jeni(Corella) Watson and her husband Max; Rachel Corella; Cassi (Corella) Hansen and her husband Kory; Nathan Worden and his wife Chrissy; Jeremy Idler and his wife Cassie; Julie Idler; Jackie (Gifford) Alvarez and her husband C.J.; James Gifford; Ryan Gifford; Jordyn Gifford and thirteen great grandchildren.