James Bernard Brouwer

James Brouwer was born in Everett, WA, at Everett General Hospital on October 13, 1946. He was the youngest of 4 siblings, and the only boy, born 13 years after his youngest sister, June. He passed away at home in Marysville, WA on Wednesday, September 20 at 11:16 AM with his beloved wife of nearly 35 years, his 4 children and a daughter in law by his side after a brief, hard fought battle with Stage 4 Esophageal cancer. He attended Everett Christian School 1st through 9th grade and graduated from Everett High School in 1964. His father, Pieter Brouwer ran a successful landscaping business but died when Jim was in the 9th grade. After high school, Jim worked briefly at the People’s National Bank at the corner of Hewitt and Wetmore until he was drafted into the army in March of 1966. He was sent to Augsburg, Germany, in the 2nd Battalion, 7th Artillery, of the 24th Infantry Division for 2 years and eventually made sergeant until “that happy day in March 1968” when he got to fly home. While in Germany, he visited Switzerland, Austria, Barcelona, Spain and France. He would often tell us, “I’ve been there” when we were watching a show on TV with him that was about Europe. Upon returning home, he got a job with a surveying company for new developments that were going in all over King County. Thrilled with his first $200 a week paycheck, he saved up $1000 and ordered his prized 1968 Dodge Charger from Walsh Platt Motors on Rucker Ave., with a 383 cubic inch engine, 335 HP, and a Hurst 4-speed. He burned through the first set of tires at 9000 miles! One night he drove between Everett and Marysville on the flats and hit 135 mph before the engine started missing. Jim remained a loyal Dodge enthusiast throughout his life. His job with the surveying company came to an abrupt end in 1969, when the famous billboard in Seattle read, “Will the last one leaving, please turn out the lights.” He married Johanna Berghuis in 1971 and had 3 children – Kimberley, Jason and Kristina. A home was purchased in Everett in 1973 on Lombard Ave. for $11,500. He went back to school and earned his AA in Engineering and surveying courses from Everett Community College. He then worked in glass and skylight sales for many years. In October of 1982, he married Jonna Morrison and gained another son Matthew, who was 5 at the time. They resided in Marysville. At that time he was introduced to the idea of becoming a reserve police officer. His excellent work and 200+ hours per year of volunteer reserve officer work gave him the opportunity to drive a “real” police car and police patrol boat – both of which experienced crash damage, though not while he was driving, we were reminded. In 1987 he tested for a job with the Everett Police Department and wound up 7th on the list but was not hired. He was encouraged to try again and the next time he was hired in March of 1990, graduating from police academy in June. He served for almost 20 years as well as 13 years of service on the recovery dive team. He was on street patrol until 1996 when he was picked for the Property Crimes Unit. In June, 1999, he was chosen for a vacancy in the Major Crimes Unit. In 2005, Jim was made part of SMART (Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team). While investigating a homicide case in Reno, Nevada, Jim discovered his love for poker. That trip was the first time he saw the inside of a casino. He eventually got Jonna hooked and together they became accomplished players. They played at Tulalip Casino every week for many years. In 2005, he played in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, NV. He entered a tournament with 1068 people and came in 85th. It cost $1500 to enter and he got $2180 back. He played golf for 10 years and then got bored. He loved tending to his cherished roses at home and was happy with a TV remote in his hand. Christmas Day was the day he loved most. Grandpa Jim was “Santa” and he would be filled with glee to hand out present after present to each grandchild, spoiling them beyond measure each and every year. He couldn’t wait for Jonna to make his beloved Oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts) for Christmas and her famous chimichangas and Wacky Cake for his birthday. We are forever grateful for her selfless commitment to making sure that dad had the best care and love possible up to the end. He is survived by his 4 children, Kimberley Boyle (Scott) of Lake Stevens, Jason Brouwer (Sarah) of Lynnwood, Kristina Gutierrez (Jeremy) of Arlington and step-son Matt Morrison of Marysville. He also carried in his heart his 8 grandchildren – Jessica, Jonathan, and Jayden Boyle, Gabrielle and Isabelle Gutierrez, Sean, Ethan, and Ashton Brouwer. He is preceeded in death by his father Pieter Brouwer, his mother Alyce Brouwer, 3 older sisters – Augusta Siegers, Joanne Roe, June Pastoor and a granddaughter, Jenna Boyle, who was born and died on his birthday in 1999. A celebration of life memorial will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 11:00 AM at Evergreen Funeral home in Everett. Donations can be directed to one’s favorite charity.

Arrangements under the direction of Evergreen Funeral Home, Everett, WA.