James William Birch

Born in Tacoma, Washington October 1, 1959, Jim moved to Purdy as a child where he attended McKinley and Gig Harbor Grade Schools and Peninsula High School. He later moved to Anchorage, Alaska, graduated from West High School in 1978, and then attended Anchorage Community College part-time. In l989 he graduated from the University of Arizona with a BA in Landscape Architecture. Six months after graduation he was contacted by Jack Nicklaus and his adventures in golf course work began. He was sent overseas to Spain, Italy, Ireland and the UK until l992 when Nicklaus closed his European operations. Jim stayed in Italy working for himself but returned to the United States in l993 when Nicklaus wanted to employ him again.On October 4, 1997, Jim wed Lisa Blakeney. During their twelve years of marriage the couple traveled all over the United States on business. In 2000, they were blessed with the birth of daughter Megan while living in Charleston, SC. They shared their love of travel with her at an early age and have moved a total of 38 times!In 2007, Jim started his own company, JB Golf Renovations, Inc., in California and was in great demand until a downshift in work necessitated his joining a New York based company. On January 12, 2010, while employed by the Landtek Group, Jim was traveling to Trinidad where he had a years contract to build sports fields for the children there. At the last minute, he was diverted to Haiti on a brief side mission. Tragically, just three hours after arriving to bid on a project to build schools and sports fields for the children of Haiti, Jim lost his life in the devastating earthquake.Jim will long be remembered as a positive, kind and outgoing man who always went the extra mile for his family, business associates and clients. Thinking on his feet, he was at the ready to solve any problem sent his way. His leadership and work ethic helped launch his sussful career as golf course designer/ builder and provided the opportunity for prestigious jobs throughout the United States and Europe. He is gone but wonde memories will live in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him.A Celebration of Jims Life will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Mountlake Terrace, on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Jim will be buried in a private ceremony at Holy Rood Cemetery, Shoreline,Washington. Jim was preceded in death by his mother Nancy Birch and father-in-law David Blakeney. He is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Megan, father Robert, Tacoma, brother Michael, Arlington, three nephews Daniel, Zachary, and Max and one niece, Jessie. He is also survived by additional family members including Theresa Blakeney, Lynnwood, Joe Blakeney (Buffy), Everett, Jeff Berland (Kristi), Rochester, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.Lisa and Megan wish to thank everyone who supported and prayed for Jims recovery following the earthquake. In lieu of flowers, they suggest donations be sent to UNICEF, Doctors Without Borders, or the American Red Cross.