James Robert Muller

Born to Louie and Rose Muller, James grew up on the family dairy farm where he developed a strong work ethic and a lifelong love for the outdoors. He was active in FFA and graduated from Pe Ell High School in 1972. He had a rewarding career as a journeyman electrician with IBEW Local 76, completing his coursework at Bates Technical College and mentoring other electrical apprentices. He eventually took over operations of the family farm during his retirement.

James will be remembered as an avid outdoorsman who spent countless hours hunting and fishing, and who shared that passion generously with others. He not only taught friends and family the joys of the outdoors but also served the community by teaching hunter education classes, helping to pass on those skills and values to the next generation.

James was proud of his Swiss heritage and was an active member of the Tacoma Swiss Society, the Swiss Sportsmen’s Club of Tacoma, and the Lewis-Pacific Swiss Society, where he also served for many years on the board. He was especially well known for greeting festival attendees from the ticket booth, a role he enjoyed and where he made everyone feel welcome.

James’s deep faith was central to his life. As a boy, he served as an altar server and continued to attend Mass faithfully throughout his life. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pe Ell, remaining devoted to the parish until its closing in 2015.

James is survived by his beloved wife, Jil (Kotula) Muller; their three children and their spouses, Erin (Muller) and Keith Frasier, Louie Muller and Rashelle Larson, and Alex Muller; and five cherished grandchildren, Rose Frasier, Olivia Frasier, Allison Sawyer, Sylvia Muller, and James Muller. He also leaves behind his siblings and their families, Joe and Pat Muller, David and Sue Muller, and Janice (Muller) and Ron Christen.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, James’s legacy lives on in the family he loved deeply and the many people whose lives he touched.

Funeral services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Chehalis on Sept. 12, 2025. A Rosary service will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Joseph German Catholic Cemetery in Pe Ell, and a reception will be held at the Swiss Hall in Frances.