James Bigheart Covert died March 4, 2024.
Born November 16th,1956. James joined the United States Marines. His service took him to Whidbey Island, NAS where he completed his military tour and pursued a prestigious career in law enforcement.
Joining the Island County Sheriff’s department in 1981. Jim took a lateral transfer in 1986 to the Oak Harbor Police Dept, retiring in 2005. While with OHPD, Jim worked as a K9 Officer with his beloved partner Conan. Jim also worked SWAT and spent final years in the traffic unit. Jim worked with OHHS to help shape young drivers in the hopes of making a difference in the decisions they would make before getting behind the wheel.
After retiring from OHPD Jim worked as a 911 dispatcher however, realized that his calling was to be out on the road, Jim again put on the uniform joining the Coupeville Marshall’s office. Jim continued to work as a deputy Marshall until August 2012. After more than 31 years of dedicating his life to serving our community, Jim retired.
Relocating to Arizona January of 2015. Jim enjoyed life in the sun, riding his Harley and cross country trips. He enjoyed flying and earned his pilot’s license. Jim’s passion being a coach and referee, whether it was coaching our daughter Marcella, refereeing high school sports, he had a special love for officiating little league.
Lovingly referred to as “Jimmie Two Dogs” by his family in blue, the love and bond that is shared with these special people, transcends time and space. In his last hours, Jim’s partner from the ICSO, Al Morris, was at his side.
Jim was proud of his service to country and community, Jim’s proudest, happiest moment was the birth of his daughter, Miranda.
Survived by wife-Denie, daughters- Marcella Manibusan, Nicole Vannostrand, Alysha Younker, Miranda Bigheart Schnacker, Patricia Simmons, son Joshua Campos. Grandchildren- Alexia Tortice and Joshua Richards, spent their lives living with Nana and Grandpa and Grandpa’s love could not of been more of a father’s. Jaden, Jackson, Emma, Aiden, Madison, Erica, Joselyn, Delana, Logan and Spencer. Brothers-John and Robert Covert, Charlie Flach.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents James Covert, Mary Covert, Josephine Covert, Sisters-Cheryl Frederick, Leslie Flach and his beloved partner Conan.
