Jim was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota on August 13th, 1956 to his loving parents, Mary Jane Leavitt and Jack Martin Leavitt. Jim moved several times throughout his life given his father’s occupation as a meteorologist. He has lived in Cincinnati, Ohio; Anchorage, Alaska; Florence, Alabama, where he spent his adolescence; and Forest Grove, Oregon where he raised his family. Jim graduated from Bradshaw High School, Class of 1975, before advancing on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from Auburn University. He worked as a successful architect for many dedicated years, the last six of which were spent working for Microsoft. He was an incredibly hard worker, a value which he received from his parents and modeled for his children and all of those around him. And in his spare time, Jim most enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, especially with his grandchildren; playing golf; watching football; traveling to new scenic areas near his home in Washington; working on projects around his property; and spending time with his horses and dogs. He had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the world for his job, and especially loved his trips to Ireland and Singapore. Jim always liked to cut loose and have a good time. He, like his father, was a beloved confidant of mischief amongst his grandkids and nieces and nephews. When ever Jim was around, sugar would mysteriously appear, boats would go too fast and baby’s belly’s would suddenly sound like trumpets.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Kelly, his mother Mary Jane Leavitt, his children James Leavitt and his wife Mariah Shipley, Kathleen Leavitt and her husband Alex Larson, and Lauren Kyle and her husband Darryn, his siblings Jay Leavitt, Joseph Leavitt, Janel Chapman, Jerome Leavitt, Jeffrey Leavitt, Joan Lane, Jeanne Reid, and Janice Pride, his grandchildren Brooke, Charlotte, and Tygh Kyle, and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Jack Leavitt and his nephew and Godson James Lane.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on April 14, 2018 in Snohomish, Washington. Memorial donations in his name may be made to your favorite charity or one of Jim’s favorites, including: Sky Valley Food Bank, Southern Comfort Animal Rescue, and the Seattle Humane Society.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18