James Murray Nokes February 11, 1943 – July 19, 2024

James Murray Nokes, (Jim, Jimmy) also Husband, Brother, Dad, Grandfather, Great Grandfather

and always Friend. Jim passed away on July 19 at Tacoma St. Joseph Medical Center following a

courageous battle with a failing heart. Born in Seattle, WA and raised in West Seattle with his four

brothers and only sister. Jim graduated from West Seattle High where he excelled in three sports

basketball, baseball and football were as a starting linebacker won 1962 city championship.

Following graduation Jim attended Olympic Junior College for two years before joining the US

Army for three years. Jim started his working career at Washington Iron Works and following his

apprenticeship became a journeyman molder making steel castings. His expertise and great attention to

detail made him a leader in his trade. Following the closing of WIW Jim moved on to work as

warehouseman with Fisher Flour Mills. At Fisher Mills, he worked his way to Superintendent. Fisher

sold to Pendleton Mills and he relocated to Vancouver Washington and continued with the new

ownership to his retirement 2013.

Jim was a renowned fastpitch softball player accruing numerous awards and honors including

being on the 1980 Peterbilt fastpitch softball team that won the ASA National Championship, USA

National Sports Festival Championship, and Pan-Am Games. He continued his fastpitch pursuit that

included playing the game well into his 50’s to embrace playing on the same team of his son John. Jim

was inducted into the Greater Seattle Fastpitch Hall of Fame in 2000. He was also an avid golfer at Lake

Limerick GC and a powerhouse bowler at Westside Lanes in Olympia chasing and attaining the 300

perfect game Vancouver WA. in September 1997.

He leaves behind his beloved wife just 2 months short of their 30-year anniversary, Debbie

Nokes, children, John (Debbie) Nokes, Debbie Johnson, Derek Nokes, Jason Nokes, brothers Jerry

(Sheila), Joe, sister Irene (Dean) Dyson, grandchildren Brittney, Tyler (Porcsha) ,Alyssa, and Morgan

Johnson, Jacolby (Kassie), Kaela, Max and Hannah Nokes. Great-grandchildren, Nnamdi, Annaya, Alaia,

and Mateo. As well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents George (Joe) and Della Nokes, brothers John and

George Jr. and Sister-in-Law Lottie.

Memorial services will be held on August 16, 11:00AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church Seattle,

Washington. Reception to follow at Holy Rosary Gymnasium.