James Michael Vandergriff's Obituary
James Michael Vandergriff, known to many as Jim, was born on June 10, 1951, in Pasco, Washington, to Donna and Ernie Vandergriff. Due to Ernie’s work as an ironworker, the family moved frequently throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, living in Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington—twice.
Along the way, Jim developed a love for baseball and enjoyed doing just about anything with his older brother. While living in Spokane, he discovered his passion for singing and was selected for the All-City Chorus during junior high school.
In 1964, the family moved to Kennewick, where Jim attended Park Junior High and Kennewick High School, graduating with the Class of 1969. One of his proudest accomplishments was maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade point average throughout his entire school career—often delighting in proving his math teachers wrong.
After high school, Jim attended Central Washington University in Ellensburg for a short time but soon realized it wasn’t the path for him. He chose instead to follow in the footsteps of his father and Uncle Bruce, joining the Ironworkers Union—a career he took great pride in.
A few years later, Jim met the woman he wanted to spend his life with, Nicola Hollenback. Together they raised two sons, Joe and Tyler. When work at Hanford slowed in the early 1980s, Jim moved his family to Seabeck so he could continue working steadily. Later, an opportunity took the family to Hawaii for several years—a time they truly cherished—before eventually returning to Seabeck.
After settling back on the Kitsap Peninsula, Jim and his family purchased a home in the countryside and began raising dogs. For many years, he raised remarkable wolf and malamute mixes, including Arctic and timber wolf lines. These dogs were absolutely beautiful, and Jim loved them deeply.
Jim also loved playing bridge and belonged to a bridge club in Bremerton. Tragedy struck when his beloved wife, Nicola, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep. A few years later, Jim suffered another devastating loss with the passing of his oldest son, Joe.
Jim had a big heart and was always willing to help others in any way he could. Later in life, he formed a close friendship with Kay, who shared his love of bridge. They remained friends and playing partners for many years.
Just after Thanksgiving, Jim suffered a stroke from which he never recovered. He passed away with his son Tyler by his side.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Nicola, his son Joe, his parents Donna and Ernie Vandergriff, Nicola’s parents, and numerous beloved dogs. He is survived by his son Tyler (Starla); his grandchildren, Sierra Vandergriff, Tyler Vandergriff, and James Vandergriff; his older sister Carole (Bob); his older brother Bob; and his younger brother Bill.
Jim will be remembered for his intelligence, strong work ethic, love of family, devotion to his dogs, and generous heart. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
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