James White's Obituary
James Howard White, lovingly known as Jim to many who knew him, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, in Milton, Washington, at the age of 85.
Born on July 26, 1940, in Lakeview, Oregon, James was the son of Howard Kenneth White and Mary Frances Farrell. He was preceded in death by his parents and is lovingly remembered by his siblings Cheryl, Vicky, VonaKay, Ricky, Kelly, Kay, and Kerry.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Diana White, and by his former wife, Sue White. He also leaves behind his beloved children: Mike White and his wife Yuki Maeda, Rob White and his partner Karen, Shaylina “Sandy” Ward, Raechel Green and her husband Todd Green, and Karissa Thompson.
A proud grandfather to Kayla, Skyler, Jordan, Rylie, Cameron, Madeline, Sorrento, Severin, Kegan, and Kaylee, he was also a cherished great-grandfather to Zane, Ryah, Thyse, and Madalyn. Family meant everything to him, and one of the greatest joys of his life was keeping his blended and extended family connected, close, and grounded in love.
James lived life fully and fearlessly. A true “man’s man,” he had an adventurous spirit and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He proudly served in the United States Coast Guard, carrying that same spirit of strength, discipline, and adventure throughout his life. Over the years, he climbed Mount Rainier six times and also summited Mount Olympus. He enjoyed scuba diving, tennis, golf, hunting, crabbing, deep-sea fishing, river and fly fishing, as well as water and snow skiing. He approached life with enthusiasm and rarely passed up an opportunity for adventure.
After graduating from West Seattle High School, he maintained many lifelong friendships throughout the years. He never met a stranger and had a gift for making people feel welcome. With his playful sense of humor, adventurous personality, and unmistakable charm, he could strike up a conversation with anyone. Those who knew him will remember his laughter, his warmth, and the way he made people feel valued and included.
His career reflected both an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong work ethic. As a young man, he worked in a grocery store and later in a bakery, where he developed a lifelong love of cheesecake and enjoyed making gingerbread houses. Realizing he had a passion for building something of his own, he pursued a successful career in real estate and earned many professional certifications along the way. He later joined Hogan Enterprises, where he became much more than an employee — he became family and was affectionately known as the “fourth Hogan brother.”
Faith became an important turning point in his life in 1986 when he gave his heart to the Lord. Though raised Catholic, he developed a deep hunger for God and embraced his Christian faith wholeheartedly. Diana fondly recalled that on their second date, he eagerly joined her at church, beginning a spiritual journey that brought him great joy, strength, and renewal throughout the rest of his life. His faith also shaped the way he loved his family, as he became deeply committed to strengthening relationships, creating unity, and making sure everyone felt welcomed, loved, and connected.
He was especially excited to welcome his fifth great-grandchild later this year, a baby girl who will forever know the love of the great-grandfather watching over her from above.
James will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, loyal friend, adventurer, and man of deep faith. His legacy lives on in the countless memories he created, the lives he touched, and the enduring love he shared with family and friends.
A private Celebration of Life for family and close friends will be held on June 14, 2026, at the home of Raechel and Todd Green.
He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
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