It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of James Gustafson who passed peacefully in his sleep on October 17, 2025, in Olympia, WA. James was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather as well as a great friend and Veteran. There will be a small family memorial for James held in Olympia in the coming weeks.

James was born on October 19, 1942, to parents Henry “Pug” Gustafson and Margaret Conway in Denver Colorado. His family moved to Duluth, Minnesota and then to Burien, Washington where he attended Highline High school, class of ’61. He would go on to serve in the Army from June 1967 – October 2002, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. James served in Vietnam and was stationed at Ft. Lewis and Ft. Benning. James received the Gallantry Cross with the Bronze star award for his service in Vietnam. He was extremely proud of his service and reunited with the family he fought alongside during his tour years later. He would also go on to be a personnel manager at Boeing for 15 years.

Outside of the army, James married the love of his life Anita “Gayle” Gustafson of Harrington, WA on August 28, 1965. They were married 60 incredible years. James studied hard and received his B.A. in psychology from Eastern Washington University shortly after in 1966.

After retirement, James and Gayle moved to Kauai, Hawaii for 8 years where they enjoyed cold beers on the beautiful sunny beaches and happy hour with friends and strangers alike. James could also be found enjoying weightlifting, fitness and generally living an active lifestyle. As much as he enjoyed being active himself, he loved watching his grandsons play sports and attended as many games as he could.

James Gustafson will be dearly missed by his devoted wife Gayle Gustafson of Olympia, WA, sons Jim Gustafson along with his wife Andrea of Post Falls, ID, Dave Gustafson and wife Christy of Olympia, WA. He also leaves behind brothers, Tom Gustafson and wife Kathryn of Issaquah, WA, Bob Gustafson and wife Bonnie of Auburn, WA as well as Dave Gustafson and wife Patty of Milton, WA. As well as grandsons Adam Gustafson and wife Kerri with their daughter Josie of Sturbridge, MA, Jacob Gustafson and wife Sarah with son Ayden along with Zeb Gustafson and partner Julie of Olympia, WA.

Though he is gone from this world, his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.