James T. Kessler
September 14, 1935 - January 24, 2019
James (Jim) T. Kessler passed away on January 24, 2019 at the age of 83 from complications related to COPD. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Grietje Penning-Kessler. Survived by four children: Luke, Ida, Ellie Ammons [Jeff} and June. He left behind five grandchildren: Michael Broertjes [Eefje], Melanie Vredeveld [Raymondo], Christina Mesa [Darren], Alexander Kessler and Tyler Ammons. And two great-grandchildren: Dylan Mesa and Jake Broertjes.
Jim was born in Semarang, Indonesia in 1935, and was the only child of James and Theodora. As a young child, he and his family endured several years as prisoners of war in a Japanese internment camp during the occupation of Indonesia, where he almost died of malaria. After the war his family immigrated to the Netherlands, where he joined the Dutch Army and met his wife, Grietje in Harlingen, NL. They married and had two children, Luke and Ida.
In 1961 the couple decided to immigrate to the United States. We heard many stories of the long ocean trip to New York via passenger ship the “Groote Beer”. Once in Seattle, he joined the family business “Jim’s Foreign Car Repair”, on Melrose St. in downtown Seattle, as an auto mechanic.
As the family grew, Jim continued his career as an auto mechanic at University Mazda. Jim was a private man who did not openly share his feelings or the trauma he experienced in the war camp. He took pleasure in being a good provider for the family. Jim enjoyed dressing up for his appointments or dinner. He was rarely seen without his classic cap. He was fluent in seven languages and had a near photographic memory.
Those who knew Jim, knew he did not like being the center of attention. In honor of his wishes, no funeral services will be held. Please sign the online guestbook or share your memory of Jim at www.asacredmoment.com.
The family would like to express their thanks to Debbie Hearon, RN from Brookdale Alderwood, the caring staff at Brookdale Everett and Providence Hospice for their kindness during Dad’s final days.
FUNERAL INFORMATION
In honor of Jim’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. Please share your Tribute of Jim below.
GRATITUDE
The family would like to express their thanks to Debbie Hearon, RN from Brookdale Alderwood, the caring staff at Brookdale Everett and Providence Hospice for their kindness during Dad’s final days.