James Eshelman's Obituary
James Eshelman died October 15,2023 from complications following a stroke.
He was 86 and is survived by his wife, Virginia (Ginny) Eshelman, they were married for 64 years.
He lived in Washington and Oregon growing up and graduated from Stadium High School in Tacoma in 1955. He and Virginia were married in 1959,
He attended the University of WA for his undergraduate degree, and then University of WA School of Dentistry, graduating in 1962 with a Doctorate in Dentistry.
He entered the US Army, as a captain in the Dental Corps and was stationed in NJ for two years, he was honorably discharged in 1964.
He and Ginny returned to Lakewood in 1964, he continued practicing dentistry in private practice until retiring in 2007 at age 70.
He truly enjoyed helping his patients maintain or seek better health. His interactions and longtime friendships with his patients were his favorite part of dentistry.
His long life in Lakewood WA included skiing, hiking, tennis, interacting with friends and family. He especially enjoyed all interactions with his grandkids. He and Ginny enjoyed many wonderful vacations traveling with their young daughters and continued through their empty nest years, exploring the country and world.
He enjoyed spending time at their mountain cabin in Packwood and family trips to White Pass ski area.
He was a past member of the Pierce County Dental Society, and member of Lakewood Methodist church and in recent years, Lake City Community Church.
He was a hospice volunteer for 5 years. He was an avid recipe collector and cook, he was a constant fixture on long walks at Waughop lake, and loved listening to live performances of Dixieland jazz music.
He and Ginny were long time volunteers and supporters of Young Life of Lakewood.
His life was enriched by the many friends and family who knew him. He was loving husband to Virginia, and beloved father to Teresa Durr (deceased) and Kathy Schmidtke, with sons in law Dave Durr (Glennis), and Russ Schmidtke.
He was “Boppa” to Grandkids Connor (Chloe), Noah ( Anna), Parker (Miriam), Claire, Will, and great grandson Simon.
His two older brothers, Tom Eshelman and Donald F. Eshelman, preceded him in death.
Services will be held at Lake City Community Church, November 9 at 11:00 am in the main sanctuary. Reception to follow at the church. Church Address: 8810 Lawndale Ave SW, Lakewood WA 98498.
Should friends desire, memorial gifts could be sent to Young Life Steilacoom-Lakewood (Lakewood-Steilacoom/younglife.org) or Nourish Pierce County ( nourishpc.org/donate) or Bread of Life food bank ( LC3.org/give/foodbank) or charity of your choice to honor Jim.
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