JIM NOLAND ~ Class of 1964
October 23, 1946 - January 16, 2010

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"This totally sucks." That was Jim's reaction to his diagnosis of cancer less than six months ago. It is also what he wished to be the opening line of his obituary. Even after being diagnosed, he was able to keep his contagious sense of humor and quick wit up to his very last moment with us. It came naturally to him to make his final journey as painless as possible for those who loved him. Jim left us peacefully on January 16, 2010, and so began his legacy.

He lived a remarkable and full life. He will be remembered as a genuine, intelligent and creative man, whose integrity and loyalty were unmatched. He put his family and friends before himself and could always be counted on to listen and provide sound advice. Jim would never let you down and found great pleasure in working hard to make other people shine. Words cannot describe what he meant to us, but we will be forever grateful for how he shaped our lives.

Born in 1946 in Twin Falls, Idaho, Jim moved to Richland with his family when he was a young boy. He was part of the first graduating class from Christ the King and graduated from Columbia High in 1964. He received his undergraduate and masters degree from Eastern Washington University and went on to teach English and become President of the Wapato Teachers Association at Wapato High School.

Jim's fondest childhood memories were the summers he spent on his grandfather's ranch in Horseshoe Bend, Idaho.

At the age of 28, Jim moved with his first wife and lifetime family friend, Annie, to Saudi Arabia, where he worked for Aramco. He taught poetry and literature there for eight years. He exposed his young sons to foreign experiences and visited a myriad of countries throughout his life. He appreciated different cultures and would often say, "The world is your home."

Jim was an avid sports fan and a gifted athlete. He finished 15 marathons, including New York City and the 100th running of Boston. His last marathon in Orlando was completed in his record time of 3:18 at the age of 53.

Jim also enjoyed countless evenings playing softball with his team from Cadwell Labs. He even ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, while he was helping his son, Kevin, make his first feature film. He loved film, music, books, road trips, his golden retrievers and the Mariners.

Jim spent the last nine years working with his second family, the wonderful marketing team at Lockheed Martin. Travel was frequent and he was lucky enough to have a fabulous experience in Iceland just last year. It was at Lockheed where he was one of the producers of an Emmy Award-winning commercial.

In 1985, Jim married the love of his life and wife of 24 years, Sheri. Jim and Sheri's love was an inspiration to all. Without a doubt, the highlight of Jim's life were his children: Kelly, a businessman; Kevin, a filmmaker; Tara ('95), a doctor; Mark ('99), an entrepreneur; and Michael ('07), a valedictorian and current WSU business student. Jim was further blessed with the addition of his kids' loving spouses: Samantha, Lisa, Brent, and Angela. He was a proud grandfather to Ava and Olivia and was ecstatic to hear about two grandchildren due this summer.

Jim's siblings Bob ('61) and Karen Cox ('63) Noland, Pat ('75) and Debbie Noland, and Pete and Andrea ('71) Marsh will keep him forever in their hearts. His father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clarence and Kitty Wyss, will miss him dearly.

Jim was welcomed with open arms by his brother Larry ('67-RIP), mother Helen, and father Robert in the beauty of the never-ending always.

Above all else, Jim will be remembered as a lifetime educator who made a difference to so many lives. It is in this spirit that his family has created The Jim Noland Foundation, dedicated to scholarships for higher education.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the foundation.

The Jim Noland Foundation
1333 Columbia Park Trail, Suite 310
Richland WA 99352

Please join Jim's family for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 23, 2010, at 1 p.m. His final act will be held at Terra Blanca Winery, 34715 N. DeMoss Road, Benton City.

As Jim would always say, "Love Ya Hard."

Published in Tri-City Herald on January 20, 2010

Guest Book

Click here to see the YouTube tribute to Jim put together by family

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Note from Bobby Mattson (Jim's old classmate at Christ the King Grade School):

What can one say about an old buddy, a school days pal I haven't heard of for so long. He's a distant childhood memory, but I hold those so dear. There are so many places and people resting in the back of my mind, quiet and secure. Suddenly one is there, past and gone. Questions now go unanswered. I'd like to think he had a rich, full life, and so I shall. White shirt, blue sweater, salt an pepper cord pants, singing in the windowless music room with Sister Mary Emmetria... that's how I'll remember Jim Noland... that's how he would remember me.

Peace and Love,
-Bobby Mattson ('64)

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Jan. 18, 2010

My Buddy, Jim Noland

I am not sure the first time I met Jim, but it was most likely in High School. Jim was a senior at the top of the pecking order, and I a lowly sophomore. Whenever it was, I am sure Jim had a pretty girl on his arm, and that trend continues to this day. Jim was one of those seniors that didn't have the superiority complex normally associated with the old guys. We soon became friends while working at the Mayfair Market near Uptown Richland, and continued to see each other off and on during the summers. We lost touch after a few years with college for Jim and the military for me. After thirty some years away we decided to move back home in 2001. The happiest day on our return to Richland was to find that my old buddy Jim was living right next door.

We immediately rekindled the friendship and became even closer buds. I always looked forward to the days we could get out on the river and attempt to catch a fish. We did have some success, especially this past year catching steelhead and salmon. Jim caught one of the biggest catfish I've ever seen pulled out of the Snake River; we called it "Catfish Hunter". Jim drilled the salmon this year up in "The Reach", and we have pictures to prove those fish stories. These are memories that will last me for a lifetime, as Jim was in his element.

On occasion Jim and I enjoyed a beer or two on the patio along with some smoked salmon or other snacks. We would talk about current events, politics, sports (especially the Mariners), and family. Jim's face would always light up when we talked about his family. He was so proud of all five children. After meeting and getting to know each of you I understand why he was so proud. He has left quite a legacy.

Linda and I are so fortunate to have known Jim, and we are honored that he considered us his friends. Thank you, Sheri, and all the Noland family for letting us be a small part of your lives.

Jimmer, we love you and miss you,

Mick ('66) and Linda Hemphill