James S Rothnie

James "Jim" Stuart Rothnie, a loving man of faith, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 21, 2015, in Stanwood, Washington. Jim was born in Seattle, Washington on January 11, 1930, to Harriet and George Rothnie. He was the third of four boys. Always passionate about athletics it became a way of life for him. He grew up playing all school sports and was a standout varsity basketball and baseball player at Franklin High School. He continued his education at the University of Washington earning a BS and MA degree in Public Education. Jim began his teaching career in 1952 in Leavenworth, Washington where he taught physical education, health and history and coached football, basketball and baseball. He took his talents to the Edmonds School District in 1954 where he taught the same subjects but traded football for track in his coaching responsibilities. In 1958 Jim accepted the position of Athletic Director in Edmonds and held the position for 28 years until his retirement in 1986. Jim was voted the Washington State Athletic Director of the year in 1983. In addition, Jim served on several Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) committees and was a member and later president of the Northwest Interscholastic Board. He was a steadfast believer in self-discipline and felt teaching its principles should be the primary goal of any athletic program. He inspired both players and coaches with this philosophy. Jim was first and foremost a family man. He married Dorothy Jean Barger, his high school sweetheart, in 1950. Together they raised six children, five girls and a boy. Athletics transcended his home life as well. He organized softball games played in the front yard with his own and neighborhood children. Peach trees had been planted strategically to serve as bases. Team work, sportsmanship and a love for the game blossomed under his tutelage. Jim was very proud of his Scottish heritage. He continued a family tradition started by his mother and gifted relatives, friends and neighbors at Christmas with a dozen Scotch Shortbread cookies he had made himself. For Jim family times were the best of times. An opportunity to be together for holidays and birthdays or just because was never missed. He enjoyed this closeness up until the very end of his life. Jim was preceded in death by his son, Thomas. He leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Dorothy; and daughters, Jean (Jeff) Hardy, Nancy Killgore, Susan (Skip) Wilson, Barbara (Martin) Singer, and Beverly (Steve) Geiger; as well as ten grandchildren; five great grandchildren; brothers, Robert and Bruce; and many nieces and nephews. A private graveside service will be held for immediate family. A "Celebration of Life" gathering will be held in Jim's honor on a later date at the family cabin on Camano Island, a place he loved. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Make-a-Wish Foundation either by mail at 811 - 1st Ave. Suite 520, Seattle, WA 98104 or by email at www.akwa.wish.org. Please designate all donations with "In Memory of James Rothnie." Our grateful thanks to the Partner's in Palliative Care at the Everett Clinic for their wonderful and compassionate support of Jim and his family.