James Mares

James Arthur Mares was called to heaven on February 13, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on May 13, 1937, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jim was the third of five children born to Albert and Edna Mares. In 1941, the family relocated to Bremerton, Washington, where his father worked as an electrician at the Bremerton Naval Yard. Jim fondly recalled his early years in the “projects” in Bremerton and later, the rustic farm they moved to in Port Orchard. The family proudly grew their own food on the farm, and it was there that Jim developed a deep love for hunting and fishing, passions that stayed with him throughout his life. Jim met his future wife, Yvonne, while attending South Kitsap High School. They were married on November 21, 1958, and shared over 66 years of marriage. Their first home was in Seattle, where they both worked at Boeing. In September 1960, Jim joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, for most of his 3-year service. Their first child, Lisa, was born in 1963 during this time. Following his honorable discharge from the Army in 1963, Jim pursued a career with the Kitsap County Sheriff's Department as a deputy. After two years, he transitioned to the Washington State Game Department, where he served for 34 years. Jim’s career allowed him to combine his love for law enforcement and the outdoors. His first assignment was in Long Beach, Washington, where their son, Paul, was born in 1965. He was then transferred to Hoquiam/Aberdeen, spending the next nine years working in the forested areas of Grays Harbor. During this time, Jim also served as caretaker for a Girl Scout Camp, where the family lived surrounded by wildlife. Over the years, they cared for abandoned deer, bear cubs, and even a raccoon, nurturing them back to health before releasing them into the wild or transporting them to a game farm. In 1974, Jim received a long-awaited transfer to Wenatchee, Washington, where the family settled on 3 acres near Malaga. It was a perfect spot for raising a family, and Jim enjoyed tending a small orchard of cherry trees for many years. Jim retired from the Department of Fish and Wildlife (formerly the Game Department) in 1999 after a distinguished 34-year career. After retirement, he spent three summers working at Pangborn Field, maintaining the fire crew’s equipment. One of Jim’s greatest joys was spending time with his family, and he passed on his love of reading to his children. He also enjoyed playing the card game “hucklebuck,” a family tradition that continues today. Jim is survived by his wife of 66 years, Yvonne; his children, Paul (Diane) Mares and Lisa (Robb) Myers of Wenatchee; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his four siblings. The family would like to express their gratitude for the wonderful care Jim received during his final months, particularly the staff at Regency Rehabilitation Center and his hospice nurse, Amy, for their exceptional support. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. Chapel of the Valley is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jim’s name to the American Red Cross, a cause he supported as a lifelong blood donor.

James Mares

May 13, 1937 - February 13, 2025