James Martin O'Connor Obituary
It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved James Martin O'Connor (Stanwood, Washington), born in Seattle, Washington, who passed away, on February 27, 2018. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family.
Jim" was born May 3rd, 1936 in Seattle, WA to James and Kathryn O'Connor. Jim attended St. Joseph's grade school in Seattle while growing up in the Capital Hill neighborhood. He attended St. Martin's High School and then went on to attend St. Martin's University and Seattle University. Jim met his bride-to-be, Mary Frances, on a blind date in the summer of 1956 and they married May 4th, 1957. In 1958, Jim and Don Good fellow started Highlands Building Maintenance, where they partnered in cleaning supermarkets for 22 years. It later became known as Coyote Cleaning Systems. Mary, Jim and family lived in the Seattle and Edmonds area before moving to their farmhouse in Stanwood in 1973. Jim enjoyed being a pilot and owning his own airplanes, skiing, running (he completed the Boston Marathon in 1983!), golfing and spending time at the family beach house on Camano Island. In 1972, Jim began his involvement with the Lynnwood Rotary. He was a member of the South Snohomish County Chambers of Commerce and received the John Fluke award for community service. He was also a chairman on the board for Lynnwood Rotary Air Fair, was a member of the Mt Pilchuck Ski patrol, a past president of the Seattle AOPA and Paine Field Chapter of Washington Pilots and also, spent 6 years on the Board for Evergreen Recovery Center. Jim was preceded in his death by his daughter, Kathleen and son, Marty. Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Frances O'Connor, sons: Bob and Heidy O'Connor, and Patrick and Kimber O'Connor, daughter-in-law Deanne O'Connor, 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Jim also leaves behind 3 sisters and their families and several nieces and nephews. Mass in memory of Jim will be held at St Cecilia Catholic Church 26900 78th Ave NW Stanwood WA. Friday March 9th at 11:00 am In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Evergreen Recovery Center (3019 Colby Everett, WA 98201) or St Martins University in Lacey Washington. Arrangements under the direction of Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood, WA.
