James LeRoy Brummett

After graduating from Puyallup High School, James joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1959. He began his career as an electronic technician in Groton, Connecticut. While on his first assignment, he married Sandra Murphy in 1961. During their marriage, James and Sandra welcomed a son, Glen, and daughters, Shirl Ann and Jenni. Shirl Ann passed away a few days after birth due to a heart defect in 1964 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

In 1971, while James was stationed in Rhodes, Greece, Sandra was killed in a car accident in California. After Sandra’s death, James relocated back to his home state of Washington. In 1972, James met and married Helen Hall, and they had a daughter, Crystal.

Throughout James’s U.S. Coast Guard career, he was stationed across the United States and in Greece. His dedication and sacrifice were recognized with his promotion to Chief Warrant Officer (CWO3). While stationed in California, he oversaw an electronics and navigation repair facility and was awarded the U.S. Coast Guard Achievement Medal. He retired in 1980 after 20 years of service.

Following his Coast Guard retirement, James ventured into many occupations, including managing a buffet-style restaurant, serving as a Christmas tree farm caretaker, operating a U-fish pond and hatchery, and working as an apartment manager. At age 62, he fully retired and enjoyed many outdoor activities in Washington, including trapping, fishing, and hunting. In 2016, he moved closer to family in Texas (daughter Crystal and granddaughter Breanna) and began additional hobbies, including coin collecting, attending car shows, and participating in various car clubs—primarily focused on his love of Corvettes.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ted Dickey West Funeral Home.