James Joseph DeMartini

November 27, 1946 – January 2, 2026

James Joseph “Jim” DeMartini passed away peacefully at his home on January 2, 2026, with his wife by his side, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Jim was born in Seattle to Bernice and John DeMartini and grew up during the 1950s near Northgate. His childhood was filled with simple joys—visits to Playland near Aurora Avenue, fishing in local creeks and ponds, and watching the area develop, including the construction of what would become Northgate Mall. These early years rooted Jim deeply in Seattle, a city he loved throughout his life.

Jim’s gregarious, charismatic personality made him memorable during his high school years at Ingraham, Nathan Hale and Mountlake Terrace High Schools. After graduation, he was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War, where he spent two years in the 25th Infantry Division, 21st Regiment of the U.S. Army. He met the hardships of the battlefield with extraordinary courage. Witnessing the dangers faced by others, Jim chose to forge his own path—an approach that ultimately saved his life and became a guiding principle that shaped his work ethic, resilience, and determination for the rest of his life.

After returning home, Jim attended Edison College (now Seattle Central College), earning an associate degree in real estate and interior design. In 1970, he obtained his real estate license and joined his brother Dale at Fireside Homes on Lake City Way. Known for his charm, professionalism, and impeccable style—always dressed in a sharp business suit and carrying a briefcase—Jim quickly distinguished himself in the industry. His flair for fine clothes, fedora hats, luxury cars, elegant parties, and fine dining earned him the affectionate nickname “The Italian Stallion,” a title that perfectly captured his love of life and personal style.

In 1977, Jim met Carol Branch, who would become his wife and lifelong partner. The two shared an immediate chemistry and a mutual passion for real estate and living life to its fullest. They married in 1979 and, in 1980, purchased Fireside Homes together. Their partnership grew steadily, but in 1995 their careers reached new heights when they joined ReMax as a husband-and-wife team.

Jim maintained lifelong friendships from his school years, many who became prominent homebuilders in Seattle. As these friends sought land to fuel new development projects, Jim and Carol became experts at identifying exactly what was needed. Jim excelled at “finding the deal,” often uncovering opportunities that generated more business than they ever imagined. Working seven days a week, the DeMartini Team became known throughout their communities, with Jim in his element hosting open houses and offering free market analyses that frequently turned into lasting client relationships. Their success was recognized with numerous awards, including ReMax’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. In later years, the properties they acquired evolved into a successful rental management business following Jim’s retirement.

Jim had a deep love for adventure, style, and celebration. He delighted in traveling, dancing, cruising, fishing, and captaining his motorboat and yacht on Lake Washington and throughout the San Juan Islands. His favorite destinations included Las Vegas, Roche Harbor, Cancun, Maui, and Costa Rica, and he always dreamed of returning to Vietnam one day. An avid skier, Jim especially cherished annual winter trips to cool mountain resorts, with Whistler Mountain holding a special place in his heart. After a day on the slopes, he could often be found by an outdoor fire pit in Whistler Village, sipping a Grey Goose martini or enjoying a favorite bottle of Barbaresco wine.

In more recent years, Jim found great joy in decorating and furnishing the beautiful home he and Carol shared on the shores of Lake Washington. He loved opening his home to others and hosted countless backyard barbecues filled with laughter, boating, jet skiing, kayaking, and cherished moments with family and friends. One of his favorite Christmas traditions was to set up his electric train that circled around the Christmas tree. He was equally content spending a quiet Sunday afternoon in his favorite chair by the fire, watching football with his beloved little dog, Rosie, curled up beside him.

Family was always at the heart of Jim’s life. He loved his siblings deeply and selflessly donated bone marrow to support his sister during her battle with cancer. Jim is survived by his wife, Carol (Branch) DeMartini; his nieces Naomi and Kristine DeMartini, Jasmine and Brianna Philipp, and Jaime Fallon; his nephews Jonathan, Timothy and Dennis DeMartini, Brandon Philipp, and Aaron Groman; his sisters-in-law Janie (Branch) Philipp and Sandra DeMartini; and his brothers-in-law John Branch and Stan Gorman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernice and John DeMartini; his brother, Dale DeMartini; and his sister, Marci (DeMartini) Gorman and brother-in-law Brian Branch.

Jim lived life fully and generously, cherishing his family, friends, and the life he built, always eager to share his blessings with others. He will be deeply missed and forever held in our hearts. Rest in peace, our dear brother, uncle, husband, and friend.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on January 17, 2026:

Funeral Service: 1:00 p.m. Acacia Funeral Home 14951 Bothell Way NE, Shoreline, WA 98155

Visitation and refreshments will precede the service beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Burial: 2:30 p.m. Holyrood Cemetery 205 NE 205th Street, Shoreline, WA 98155

Reception Following:

Scott’s Bar and Grill 8115 Lake Ballinger Way, Edmonds, WA 98026

An additional celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date at Queen City Yacht Club