James Pierson Minard

James “Jim” P. Minard, was born on March 22, 1921 in Morristown, New Jersey, the youngest son of Robert and Eleanor Minard. Jim was raised on a dairy farm in Chester, New Jersey. Upon graduation from high school, he went to work for the Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, NJ. In April of 1942, he and his lifelong friend enlisted in the US Navy and served their whole Navy careers together. While stationed at Bremerton, he met the love of his life, Velma Cross. They were married in May 1944 in San Diego, CA. In October 1945, Jim left the Navy and went to work for Standard Oil in Seattle as a station manager. In January 1946, daughter Sonja was born and in March 1947 daughter Marelea was born. Following his great desire to further his education, he packed up his family and headed home to New Jersey to start his education. From February 1948 until June 1951, he was a full time student at Upsala University while also working to support his family. He earned a bachelors degree in Geology from Upsala U. While a student, he was employed by the US Geological Survey for two summers doing field work in Alaska. In 1951, Jim took a job with US Navy Hydrographic Office in D.C. and also entered into the Navy reserve as a LTJG. In the fall of 1951, he decided to return to New Jersey where he entered Rutgers University and later received his MS in Geology. While a student at Rutgers in 1952, Jamie was born and son Brent was born in 1958. He worked for the USGS, retiring after 28 years of service. Jim spent many years in the Northwest extensively mapping Snohomish and King Counties and his maps are still used today. Jim is the author of 35 published Geological articles. Jim passed away peacefully on June 16th with his family at his side, he was 90 years old.

Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife Velma, daughter Marelea Cameron and his three brothers, Bob, Bud and Charlie. He is survived by his sister Jean (Vance) Umberger, daughter Sonja (Rich) Reinheimer, sons Jamie (Beth) Minard and Brent Minard (Karen), and son-in-law David Cameron; and 7 grand children: Will (Dana) Harper, Sean Reinheimer, Jennifer Reinheimer, Beau Minard, Jessica (Shawn) Conway, Ryan Minard and Kelli Minard; 6 great grandchildren , Stone Harper, Rylee Reinheimer Allen Harvill, Kolby Evans, Aimee Harvill and Brenda Stumph.

Dad, you will be greatly missed as you were such a compassionate and caring father. You were a huge presence in all of our lives and always generous. You were an intelligent man and growing up, we four kids learned a lot. Our road trips were always interesting, as you pointed out every outcrop and rock formation along the way. The memories are unforgettable and we are going to miss you terribly. You had a good 90 years and should have been a pioneer. You will always be in our hearts and we love you.

Services will be held July 7th at 1pm at Weller Funeral Home, 327 N. MacLeod Ave., Arlington, WA with a reception immediately following. There will be no graveside services.

Arrangements under the direction of Weller Funeral Home, Arlington, WA.