Obituary of James Sines

James Sines passed away after complications from long-standing health issues on Sunday, October 13, 2019 in Olympia, Washington. James was born in Centralia, Washington on February 25, 1937, the son of Francis Sines and Margaret Logsdon. Orphaned along with his 2 siblings while young, James’ maternal aunt and uncle, Marion and Arena Skinner, raised him as part of their family in Centralia, WA.

 

James graduated from Centralia High School in 1955, along with his future bride, Myrna Carey. He was a natural athlete who excelled at football and baseball, earning varsity letters for 3 years in each sport. Following graduation, he attended and played varsity football for Centralia College.

 

After high school, James joined the Army National Guard and served diligently, progressing through the ranks to sergeant. After completing his bachelor’s degree, James completed the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School (OCS), earning his reserve commission as a 2^nd lieutenant. He continued to serve in the National Guard through college and into his teaching career. During his time in the National Guard, James was trained as a tank commander and earned promotions to 1^st lieutenant, and captain, serving his country until 1966.

 

On August 11, 1956, James married Myrna Carey in the First Christian Church of Centralia. He and Myrna both graduated from Western Washington University in 1961. Both began working right after college for the Centralia School District, each teaching continually for over 30 years, educating many generations of Centralia’s young people. James started his tenure at Centralia Junior High in the role of 9^th grade mathematics teacher. A few years later, he accepted a position as a mathematics teacher at Centralia High School, where he completed the last 20+ years of his career. He was well-liked by literally hundreds of students; known for his inquisitive mind and trivia knowledge, a fun and jovial sense of humor, and a kind, understanding demeanor. Working with his close friend and fellow teacher Bob Drake to obtain government grants to fund then-unheard-of technology purchases, James was instrumental in the introduction of computer classes at Centralia High School in 1981.

 

James was very active in supporting student activities throughout his career, coaching multiple high school sports including football, wrestling, bowling, and golf, and serving as advisor to the school’s ski club. James coached the Centralia High School boys’ & girls’ golf teams for over 20 years, with his 1985 boys’ team earning the WIAA State Golf Team Championship. James also coached the Centralia High School boys’ & girls’ bowling team for many years, with several teams earning state playoff bids.

 

James learned to love cars and motorcycles at a young age through his uncle Marion. He continued to collect and enjoy cars and motorcycles throughout his life, being especially fond of German sports cars and motorcycles. He enjoyed many motorcycle road-trips across the western states with his good friend Lee Butkus. Another passion for James was the water and he became an accomplished self-taught sailor. He captained a 32’ sailboat in several seasons of racing with the South Sound Sailing Society, one season winning the annual title in his division.

 

In retirement, James and Myrna loved seeing their grandchildren grow, visiting often and attending scores of youth sporting events over the span of 20 years. They also enjoyed seeing the world and traveled for many years with good friends Don and Lisa Grunenfelder, and Gaylend and Karolyn Wilmovsky. In their travels, James and Myrna took cruises all around the world, visited 4 continents and numerous islands.  For over 20 years, James and Myrna annually traveled to their favorite spot on Kauai.  

 

James was preceded in death by his adoptive aunt and uncle, Arena and Marion Skinner, and brother, Marlon Sines. James is survived by his wife of 63 years Myrna Sines, son Michael Sines (Stacy Grecian), daughter Brenda Robinson, sister Margo Hewitt, and grandchildren Christian Sines, Kaylie Sines, Colin Sines, Gabrielle Robinson, and Nick Grecian.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Sines, please visit Tribute Store