James Fredrick McBride passed from death to glorious eternal life on Tuesday night, Oct. 23, 2007, after courageously enduring a long battle with heart and lung disease. In his passing, he was surrounded by loved ones who sang him into the Lords presence.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Wilda Nelson; father, Howard McBride; step-father, James Bair; and sister, Jene Atwater.
He leaves behind his sister, Barbara Spears, of Laguna Beach, Calif.; his beloved wife, Mary, of Marysville, Wash.; his four treasured children, Sally (Mike) Fisher, of Marysville, James (Wendi) McBride, of Valencia, Calif., Julie (Fabian) Jimenez, of Marysville, and John (Carrie) McBride, of Marysville; eight grandchildren, Heather, Christopher, Haylee, Ryan, Keaton, Cooper, Lainey and Reece; and three great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Emily and Ashley.
Jim was born in Tulsa, Okla., on Feb. 9, 1930. He spent most of his childhood in Southern California, graduating from Glendale High School. Shortly thereafter, he entered the Navy and received commendations for his service in Japan, China, the Philippines and Korea. He was awarded the UN Medal, Good Conduct and the Korean Ribbon.
Jim enjoyed a long career in real estate and loved the challenge of finding the right homes for his clients, many of whom returned to him multiple times for services. The integrity and compassion that were so much a part of him governed both his work and personal lives.
When Jim became ill, he faced his challenges with thanksgiving and unwavering faith in the goodness of God. Even in the midst of his own sufferings he chose to focus on others by calling them and praying for them regularly.
Jim was known for his sense of humor and will be loved and remembered for his desire to bring a smile to every face. Many of his jokes stood the test of time, being repeated (by him) again and again.
It was sure nice seeing me again!
Memorial services will be held at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007, at Arlington First Baptist Church, 426 N. French Ave., Arlington, WA 98223.
Remembrances can be made to Arlington First Baptist Church.