At 1pm Thanksgiving Day, Jim Coulson took his last breath and smiled his good-bye. He was surrounded by his family as he joined God’s Heavenly family.

Born in Zonora, Pennsylvania, in 1935, Jim came to the Northwest after he and Joan were married in 1960. They met in Germany on Christmas Day in 1958 when both were on the ski slopes in Garmisch, Germany. After completing his MA degree in Pennsylvania, Jim was employed by Mercer Island School District. For 28 years he served as teacher, junior high school principal of all the Mercer Island Middle Schools and vice principal of Mercer Island High School. During his tenure he earned his PhD at the University of Oregon. When he retired from Mercer Island School District in 1990, he purchased his “dream” and became the owner of the Cuttysark of Bellevue – a nautical antique and collectibles establishment on Main Street in Bellevue.

In 2001 he sold the Cuttysark and he and Joan moved to Vashon where he was active in Rotary and the Point Robinson Light House.

He was a familiar presence at Point Robinson.

Jim is survived by his wife Joan, four children and their spouses: John and Jodie Coulson and granddaughter Ruby; Andrea and Kathryn Lane-Coulson; Jamie and Catherine Coulson and granddaughters Christine and Allison; and Annmarie and Ronald Diggs and granddaughters Whitney and Madison. Jim is also survived by a younger brother, Larry.

Jim had many friends who loved him and who will miss his smile, his teaching, his woodworking and his love.

A memorial service will be held at Vashon Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, 15420 Vashon Highway SW, Friday, December 15, at 1pm. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Keepers of Point Robinson Light House, care of Vashon Park District, Vashon WA 98070

Please visit our online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com