James “Jim” William Huff, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 27th, 2023. Born in Greenfield, Iowa on March 16, 1955, to Norma and William Huff, Jim was the oldest of four children, Rosanne, David, and Mary. While his parents have passed on, his three siblings remain, honoring his memory. Jim took great pride in his education and was valedictorian of Greenfield H.S. class of 1973;
graduated from Iowa State University in 1977 with a BS in Computer Science. He went on to get his Master’s in Business Administration from Seattle University in 1984. Even though he moved to Seattle after graduating, Jim remained deeply connected to his Iowa roots and its influence shaped him throughout his life.
He embarked on a 36-year long career at Boeing Company, moving to corporate in 1990, ending in Global Staffing. According to coworkers, if you needed brainpower and honesty you went to Jim. As he dedicated himself to his work, he also devoted his time and energy to raising his daughter, Rachel, alongside her mother, Vicki. He instilled a deep love of learning and diligence in all aspects of Rachel’s life.
Jim found great joy in music. From singing in several chorale groups, to serenading his wife Barb on their wedding night, to an iconic Elvis performance. His deep appreciation of music was woven throughout his life in beautiful ways. His love of music was matched only by his love of Christ. You could find him in church every Sunday, worshiping, and, if you got lucky, hear him playing the guitar, and singing.
His passion for trivia led him to take a chance on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.” Although he didn’t advance past the preliminary rounds, participating in the show was a testament to his love for knowledge.
Jim caught the eye of a fellow ISU alumni one fateful summer day. After meeting Barb, they started to build a life together, getting married on August 14, 2010. Barb held a special place in Jim’s heart; his love for her was a guiding light, and he cherished every moment spent by her side.
Retirement for Jim on February 28, 2014, led to travels and adventure with Barb, family, and friends, which included cruising down the Danube River, exploring the ancient Acropolis in Greece, and enjoying Cheekwood Gardens with his daughter Rachel. When baseball season rolled around, he could be found working at the ballpark for the Mariners. Jim spent countless hours on the golf course and was easily recognized by his ISU golf bag and quick play. Never one to sit idle, he also enjoyed a second career as a part-time bookkeeper working for Barb and a colleague of hers.
Jim will be remembered as a fiercely loyal, dedicated, knowledgeable, and loving individual. Jim’s big heart and infectious smile touched the lives of many, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Barb, his daughter Rachel, Rachel’s mother Vicki, and his siblings: Rosanne (Dan), David (Kendalyn), and Mary (Brian). He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews along with Barbara’s children: Kyle (Jill), Stephany (Geran), Stacia, and grandchildren: Ayla, Arya, Dominik, and Oscar.
A memorial service will be held at the Vashon Presbyterian Church on Thursday, June 22nd at 4 p.m. or you may join virtually via a Zoom link provided on the Vashon Presbyterian Church website. Following the service there will be a potluck and music by Loose Change. Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate his life and share their cherished memories.
A second service will be held in Iowa at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Fontanelle, the church Jim grew up in, on Saturday, July 1st at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Vashon Community Scholarship Foundation, where we have set up a scholarship in Jim’s name to be awarded to a graduating senior next May. Please visit https://www.vashonscholarshipfoundation.org/ or mail a check to VCSF, PO Box 1413, Vashon, WA 98070 to donate and note the Jim Huff Scholarship.
