James B. Corlett (Jim) passed away on July 17, 2013 in Lake Oswego, OR at the age of 88. He was preceded in death by his wives, Letha Matthews Corlett (Aug. 2001) and Janet Ingstad Corlett (Nov. 1993). Also preceding him in death were his parents Donald Dexter Corlett and Eleanor Foster Corlett Visser, and his older brother Donald Robert Corlett. Jim was born on September 7, 1924 in Iowa City, IA.
Jim attended the University of Washington and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Management. While in college he worked in a landscape business, and after graduation for the U.S. Forest Service. Jim managed tree farms for Oregon Pulp and Paper in Salem, OR (now Boise Cascade). He continued his career managing the Oregon Forest Protection Association, and later established "Dendro Protection,' consulting with the Western States Forestry Task Force.
Some of Jim's favorite memories were his years flying as a Navy pilot during WWII. He loved to recount stories of taking off and landing on aircraft carriers. Later he flew as a test pilot for the Navy. Sailing was a lifetime passion and many knew of his adventures building his own sailboat Aquila. He enjoyed many voyages with family to Puget Sound and British Columbia. Jim was an avid gardener and loved to travel. His favorite "ports of call" were Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia, and St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Jim is survived by his children, Jennie Corlett (Lynn Anderson), Tom Corlett (Doris), and Margie Corlett. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Sarah Vannice-Linscott, Jason Vannice, Elizabeth Belisle, Daniel Corlett, Andrew Corlett, and Elise Kandra Corlett; as well as ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Raymond, brother Richard Corlett, and brother Doug Corlett (Randi Zink), all of Seattle.
A Life Celebration honoring Jim will be held on August 24th at 2:00 PM at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, where Jim was a longtime member. The address is 15751 Quarry Road, Lake Oswego, OR. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to a charity of your choice.
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