James Albert Quentin

James A. Quentin September 24, 1945- June 27, 2017 James A. Quentin. Just reading his name will bring a flood of fond memories to so many who knew him. Jim was an excnally honorable, dignified man, though humbly unaware of how strong his influence was. His joy in understanding and helping others made him an easy man to respect and love.Jim grew up in West Seattle, exploring the Pacific Northwest and the shores of Puget Sound. As a young man, he worked in his Grandfathers fish and chips restaurant where his strong work ethic began. It is said that his grandfather was as kind and gentle as Jim- a great influence on the wonde person he became. In high school his experiences with Seattle Mountain Rescue helped form his calm demeanor and commitment to always doing the right thing.In 1966 he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Following basic training at Fort Polk Army Base in Louisiana he arrived in Panama, and did not leave for two and a half years. He rose to the rank Sergeant E-5, and was assigned to the job of the Medical Evacuation NCO, where he was responsible for medical evacuations back to the US. He felt such an immense sense of duty to his injured comrades, treating them with great respect. That feeling was something that he carried with him the rest of his life.After serving in the Army, Jim found his experience and ambition welcome at the then-fledgling Alaska Airlines, where he contributed to the airlines suss for 34 years. Jim was a friend and mentor to everyone he worked with and valued the suss of others more than his own. He was invited to serve on the board of the Alaska Airlines Employee Assistance Fund, a position he valued. His passion for the airline business inspired his son to pursue a career in aviation. In 1972 he married Sheila and had two children, Andrew and Amy. He was an exemplary father who delighted in his family. His love for them was boundless, patiently enjoying their steps into adulthood, which he felt honored to be a part of. As adults, his children would often seek his advice or guidance on matters in life, no matter how big or small.Jims father, Herb, was a merchant marine who gave his son a love of maritime, boating and the outdoors. As an adult he enjoyed boating and beaches warm and sandy, or rocky and cold. He happily owned several boats, which gave his family many fun experiences and great memories from fishing to waterskiing. In retirement Jim traveled on freighter ships, feeling stirred to retrace some of his fathers voyages. To him the quiet purpose of a freighter was more interesting and enjoyable than the excitement of a cruise ship. Jim loved to travel and had a great sense of adventure. He and Sheila traveled to Europe several times where they enjoyed the food, culture and history of so many places. He would bring home coins from other countries and leave them barely hidden on trails and low rocks for children to discover. Closer home, you might find him exploring a National Park, or riding a train through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. He also had a passion for mentoring children in need of a good role model, many of whom are probably changed to this day from his kind, yet strong influence. Over the years he volunteered at three different schools.His sense of humor was second to . As much joy as he got making others laugh, he was equally entertained by his own creative humor, never letting a comedic moment go unused. His humor was subtle, considerate, and fun to all reminding people not to take themselves too seriously.Jim loved to roast and brew his own coffee, researching coffee beans from all over the world, and eagerly awaited their arrival so he could meticulously roast them, ready to be shared. When he was not busy roasting coffee and volunteering, you could surely find him building a fishing rod, if he was not already on the riverThe qualities that made Jim such a wonde example for all of us are too innumerable to list, but most of all we are simply going to miss having him with us as a son, husband, father, friend and companion.A memorial service in Jims honor will be held at the Edmonds Yacht Club at 2:00 in the afternoon on September 24, 2017- which would have been his 72nd birthday.In lieu of flowers, Jims family suggests memorial contributions be sent to:Alaska Airlines Employee Assistance Fund19530 International Boulevard, Suite 108Sea Tac, WA 98188 Announcement: In lieu of flowers, Jims family suggests memorial contributions be sent to:Alaska Airlines Employee Assistance Fund 19530 International Boulevard, Suite 108 Sea Tac, WA 98188