James Robert Armstrong

Also known as Jim, Jimmy, Moe, Armo, Santa, and Army. James hit his last walk-off-home-run on November 13, 2010 after a year-long battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He was born in Bellingham, WA on Aug. 28, 1944, the middle child and first-born son of Mervin and Myrtle Armstrong. After 3 years of military service he lived the rest of his life in Seattle where he played out his three passions to the fullest: baseball, gardening, and family. For the last 20 years he was an estate manager at The Highlands where his talents and personality brought joy to many - including playing Santa at the annual Highlands Christmas party. James liked all aspects of gardening and landscaping, but "Turf-Management" was his special love.

As a kid, James was a die-hard Brooklyn Dodgers fan and fondly spoke of his favorite year being 1955 when the Dodgers beat the Yankees. In adulthood he continued his love of the game as an avid collector and often-time participant in Dave Henderson's Fantasy Baseball Camp. Through a generous gift, James was able to play baseball one more time in January in Peoria, Arizona. Even though he was undergoing chemotherapy, he hit a stand-up triple in one game. He also tagged out a runner at home plate, which became the Number 1 play of the "Top Ten Plays of Fantasy Camp" video. James was so touched to be voted Most Inspirational Player by his teammates. However, nothing could top being chosen to throw out the first pitch at Safeco Field at a 2004 Mariner's game.

James will be deeply missed by so many people who have such good memories of a funny, thoughtful, athletic, loving husband, father, brother, grandpa, uncle, friend, and teammate. He was preceded in death by his brother Vincent Armstrong and sister Edith Blakeway. James is survived by: his wife Marianne; son Bob, daughters Wendy Davis, Maria Yasui (DJ), and Alicia Hansen; siblings Roger Armstrong (Christine), Greg Armstrong (Lillian), Darlene Blurton (Gary), Zelda Kennedy (Bus); grandchildren James III, Krystyne and Scott Armstrong, Julia, Kyle and Alex Davis, Isabel, Nathan and Claire Yasui, Jack Hansen, Jared Swanson, and Kevin Johnston; many beloved neices, nephews, and cousins; special friends Marti Presley, Bill Davis, Becky Johnston, Aunt Gloria, Uncle Henry, Aunt Ginny, and Marianne's extended family; and last but not least his faithful dog Scout and Tom the cat.

A very special thanks to Dr. Henry Li, Marianne, and Ashley from The Polyclinic for their support and kindness given to both James and Marianne.

Jim's smile and big laugh will be missd by all.