James “Jim” Raymond Gabelein passed away peacefully with family members by his side on Nov. 19, 2008 at the age of 63.
Jim was born on March 5, 1945 to Harvey and Esther (Houghtaling) Gabelein at home on their family farm in Clinton. Jim was the youngest child with two older sisters, Janice and Karen. Growing up, he could often be found milking cows, helping his father on the farm, participating in Boy Scouts and getting into mischief with his cousins.
Upon graduating from Langley High School in 1964, Jim enlisted in the Navy. His strong work ethic, love of travel and adventurous spirit made military life a perfect fit.
While home visiting his family on shore leave, Jim was reintroduced to Jennie Lambert, a family friend, whom he married on
Dec. 8, 1969.
During his 20-year career in the Navy, he was stationed in Alaska, California, Delaware, Iceland, Newfoundland and Washington before retiring to Whidbey Island in 1984.
In addition to taking over the family farm, he ran his own business, Jim’s Wood Service. He later became the groundskeeper for the Bayview Cemetery and an active member of the Cemetery Board. Every morning he could be found at Neil’s Clover Patch Cafe, enjoying breakfast and laughter with his family and friends.
Jim will be remembered for his love of the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed hunting in his youth. Jim loved gardening with his wife and watching the neighborhood deer sneak apples from his orchard. He was an animal lover and, in addition to his cows, shared his farm with a menagerie of animals including cats, ducks, chickens and rabbits.
Nothing pleased him more than spending weekends on the farm with his grandchildren. Jim was a very caring man who would never hesitate to help anyone in need. He was very patriotic and loved to tell stories of his days in the Navy.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Harvey, and his son Donnie. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Jennie Gabelein of Clinton; daughters Annette Monary of Everett and Connie Gabelein of Renton; son-in-law, Andrew Monary of Everett; grandchildren, Angelina and Aric Monary of Everett; mother, Esther Gabelein of Clinton; and sisters, Janice Martin of Coupeville and Karen Lanphere of Sedro Woolley.
A graveside service for Jim will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 at Bayview Cemetery. A celebration of his life will follow at the American Legion Post 141, 14096 Highway 525, Langley.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Visser Funeral Home in Langley.
