Jim Ramsey, 80, died Jan. 17, 2005 from complications following surgery.

Jim was born Sept. 12, 1924, in Yakima. He served in the Army in the South Pacific during World War II, graduated from University of Washington with a degree in in metallurgical engineering and worked for Boeing for 35 years.

Jim and Suzanne raised their family in Bellevue then moved to Greenbank in 1977.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Suzanne; three daughters, Claire Ramsey (T. Wilson), of San Diego, Calif., Carol Docksteader (Dan) of British Columbia, and Nina Ramsey (Bob Prosser) of Edmonds; and four grandchildren, Genevieve (Tyler) Letkeman, Benjamin (Jessica) Docksteader, Hayley Docksteader and Donald Docksteader.

Jim loved his rhodies. He spent much of the past 25 years filling their property with rhododendrons and volunteering at Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens, as well as serving on the American Rhododendron Society’s board.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date, when the rhodies are in bloom. Memorials may be sent to Meerkerk Rhododendrom Gardens, PO Box 154, Greenbank, WA 98253.