James Michael Pearce

James Michael Pearce, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at home on March 3, 2021. 

He was born on June 21, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois. He lived there through high school where he excelled in academics and enjoyed playing baseball. With a full scholarship from Chicago Mayor Charles Daily, Jim graduated from Michigan Technological University near his grandparent’s home in Upper Michigan (a place he enjoyed throughout his childhood). After college, he proudly served in the United States Air Force and achieved the rank of Captain before returning to Michigan Tech for another degree. He then moved to Seattle to work at Boeing where soon after arriving he met his future wife of 54 years. They settled in Renton to raise their two children and later moved to Maple Valley. He retired from Boeing after a forty-two year career as an engineer.

He was a talented and brilliant man with a quiet strength that he dedicated to engaging with and supporting those closest to him. Jim loved time with his family, shopping and continuous learning.  Combining those interests, he enjoyed and took great pride in learning about, designing and building a cabin for his family to relax and be together. A thoughtful and devoted husband and a patient and supportive father, he will always be loved for his integrity, reliability, support, selflessness and humor.

He is survived by his wife Rae, daughter Laura, son Michael (Karen) and granddaughter Isla. Preceding him in death were his parents Roman and Sylvia Pearce, and his brother Rodney Pearce. Private services will be held on Friday, March 19, 2021 followed by military honors at Tahoma National Cemetery.

Donations can be sent to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation at www.myasthenia.org. 

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