James Ray Messer Jr.

on July 9, 2024, just one week shy of his 80th birthday. He was born in

Waynesville, North Carolina. His family moved to the Pacific Northwest

when he was a young boy and settled in Renton, Washington.

Jim graduated from Renton High School, class of '63, and attended Everett

College after graduation. Jim married his high school sweetheart, Toni Fjeld.

Together, they raised three loving children who will always cherish the great

times and proudly carry on the strong values he taught them.

A master mason and custom home builder by trade, Jim was known for his

unwavering work ethic and dedication to his trade. His hands built many

homes and structures that testify to his skill and dedication. He took great

pride in his work, always striving for perfection and ensuring every brick was

laid with care and precision, and every home displayed his skills as a

craftsman.

Jim embodied the spirit and resilience of his childhood home in the Maggie

Valley of North Carolina, and his love for the great outdoors was a defining

part of his life. As an avid hunter and fisherman, he spent countless hours in

the woods of Washington and Montana and on the waters of the Pacific

Coast. These activities not only brought him tranquility but also strengthened

the bonds he had with friends and family. His chuckle when reminiscing

about these adventures was infectious, and hearing his stories was always a

delight.

Another of his passions was hot rods. Jim could often be found in his shop,

tinkering with engines, restoring classic cars to their former glory, and

mentoring others. His knowledge and expertise in this area were admired by

many.

Jim was known for his compassionate heart and unwavering support for the

little guy or underdog. Whether offering a job to a friend who needed work, a

listening ear in times of trouble, or problem-solving a complex home

improvement project, he always made it a point to help others. His kindness

and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of

knowing him.

Jim is survived by his three children, Chandra Messer of Tacoma, Christina

(Kelly) Nickerson of Ellensburg, and Jimmy Messer of Kent; his grandchildren,

Kayla Behnke of Tacoma, Jordan Behnke of Bellevue, Austin (Lena) Nickerson

of Ellensburg, Amber (Matt) Haggen of Bellingham, Natalee Messer of Kent,

his three great-grandchildren, Anna, Ellie, and Monica Nickerson of

Ellensburg, and his nephew Garrett Basquette of Spokane and niece Elizabeth

Horton of Tacoma. His legacy of hard work, family values, love for the

outdoors, and commitment to helping others will live on in their hearts and

the stories they share with future generations.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James Ray Messer and Susie Jane

(Caldwell), his stepfather, Phil Gotti, his sister, Patricia Basquette, and two

grandsons, Jonathan Cole James Behnke and Alex Dean Nickerson.

Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His life was a testament to

the values of dedication, hard work, love, and compassion, and his memory

will forever be a source of inspiration.

Jim's life will be celebrated on September 8, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at

Maplewood Greens Golf Course, located at 4050 Maple Valley Highway, Renton,

WA 98057. Family and friends are invited to honor his memory and share

stories of a life well-lived. Guests are encouraged to drive their hot rods to the

celebration in tribute to Jim's love for classic cars. Instead of flowers, the

family requests donations be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of

Washington.

Rest in peace, Dad. You will always be remembered and forever loved.