James G. Findlay

James G. “Jim” Findlay, 62, of Coupeville, passed on June 27, 2009, at Fidalgo Care Center in Anacortes, after a long and courageous battle with cerebellar ataxia.

Mr. Findlay was born in Newton, Mass., on Aug. 28, 1946, to Gordon and Jacquelyn (MacLean) Findlay. He was raised in Bedford, Mass., and graduated from Bedford High School in 1964.

Jim went on to attend Wentworth Institute of Technology and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in electronic engineering. He was employed with the Teletype Company in Chicago for several years and then moved to Seattle, where he was employed by the Mannesmann Tally Corp., as a manufacturing engineer.

Subsequently Jim joined Boeing and progressed to the level of senior process engineer.

He had a lifelong love of camping (including winter camping with his mother and summer camping with his sister). Jim was a fan of the Woodland Park Zoo and enjoyed visiting there regularly. Jim was ahead of his time in being an avid Seattle Metro bus rider, and knew most of the schedules well. He moved from the Eastgate area of Bellevue to Coupeville in 1998, to join his mother in their new island home.

Jim is survived by his mother, Jackie Findlay of Coupeville; his sister, Heidi Packer (Bob) of Everett; three nephews, Matt Gramling in South Korea, and Jeff Gramling and Steven Gramling, both of Bellevue; also, a great-niece. He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon R. Findlay, on April 9, 2007.

The family wishes to extend their thanks and sincere appreciation to those who provided assistance to Jim in his last days, and especially to Skagit Hospice. A private celebration of Jim’s life will take place at a later date.

Arrangements are with the assistance of Whidbey Memorial Funeral and Cremation Service, Inc., 746 Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest register at www.whidbeymemorial.com.