James Joseph McDermott

James J. “Jim” McDermott

Jim McDermott of Seattle passed August 4, 2020 at the age of 82. Born June 22, 1938 in San Francisco, CA to Daniel R. & Ethel E. McDermott, Jim lived everywhere from San Francisco to Anchorage attending 13 schools in 12 years. Being an only child, Jim appreciated learning about his Swedish and Irish ancestry.

After graduating from Seattle University, Jim married Therese “Terri” Keohen McDermott and the couple has lived in West Seattle for over 50 years where he was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

Upon leaving the Army, Jim worked for Boeing, taught elementary and junior high school, and worked as a computer programmer. He retired in 2002 and began taking care of his grandchildren, which he and they found rewarding.

Jim was mechanical and handy with tools, working on family cars, building Terri’s jewelry box, a bed for Joe, and doll house for Maritherese. He also fancied classic Austin Healey automobiles, owning two over the years and being an active member of the Cascade Austin Healey Club of Washington where he and Terri made many friends and engaged in multiple outings.

Jim is survived by Terri, his wife of 55 years, children Joe (Michael Culpepper) and Maritherese Thomas (Nathan), and grandchildren Aidan Thomas and Daniel Thomas, cousins Susann Swanson, Eddie Swanson, Judy Crawford, Ethel Swanson, & Alice Harwood, sister-in-law Marianne Blake and nieces and nephews Katherine “Casey” Blake, Susan Blake, Doug Blake (Egypt Rose) and Emmett Blake (Maureen).

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your local food bank.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the funeral mass at 10:30 am Friday, August 28, 2020 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Seattle is by invitation only, but will be streamed online at https://vimeo.com/holyrosary. Private burial at Holyrood Cemetery will follow.

Please share memories of Jim and condolences with his family on the tribute wall located above.

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services West Seattle

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