James G Dovey's Obituary
Jim passed away in January at Tacoma General Hospital due to complications from congestive heart failure at the age of 81. He was the eldest of four children born to Donald and Leota (Hancock) Dovey. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings – Donna, Richard, Charles. He is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Margaret, and daughters Elaine and Diana along with his extended family and friends.
Jim grew up in Parkland and graduated from Franklin Pierce High School in 1960. Upon graduating he joined the US Navy. During his tour he spent time overseas including several months in Japan. When his tour ended in 1964, he returned to Tacoma.
Jim had met his future wife, Margaret Austin shortly before his high school graduation and convinced her to write to him while he was seeing the world. Little did they know that upon his return they would fall in love and marry in March of 1965.
In 1969, they moved to their current home, where together they raised their daughters and actively supported their many school and sporting activities. Family trips were highlighted by a surprise trip to Disneyland, a road trip to Yellowstone National Park, along with many trips to Ocean Shores.
Jim joined the IBEW Local Union 76, following in his dad’s footsteps to work in the radio-television sector. After spending time in both the sound and communications and residential wireman areas, he eventually reached his goal of construction wireman in 1979. Some of his most memorable projects were working on the St. Joseph Hospital tower, the Pierce County jail, the Hood Canal bridge, and several local schools. Jim also worked on a pasta plant where daughter Elaine worked for several years. Jim retired in 2004.
In retirement, Jim kept up with former classmates through reunions and luncheons. He and best friend Ken Glasser would go to breakfast every Friday and then go looking for garage sales to see what interesting items they just had to bring home. A cute pig caught Jim’s eye on one trip – from then on, a pig would show up on birthdays, anniversaries, or just because.
Jim was an avid reader, and his favorite subjects were astronomy, geology, World War II, sailing adventures, and mysteries. He enjoyed music, genealogy, taking pictures of sunsets, and stargazing. Jim also managed to find the ultimate “wiggle butt” in a corgi name Ruby and later Hennessy. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandpets.
The family would like to send a special THANK YOU to the team at the Pulse Heart Institute, as well as all the staff on the 8th floor of Tacoma General Hospital for their care and compassion during Jim’s numerous stays over the last six years, following his congestive heart failure diagnosis. You were all a part of giving us extra time with him.
Military honors for Jim will take place at Tahoma National Cemetery on February 21st at 11:30am.
Please join the family on March 2nd at Station House 726, 427 N. Meridian, Puyallup, to celebrate Jim’s life. Drop in from 1-3pm for a bite to eat and share memories.
Please consider donating to the American Heart Association – PO Box 78851, Phoenix AZ 85062 or www.heart.org.
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