Obituary of James Terry

Viewing will be 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. prior to the service. James “Jimmy” Terry, Sr. Sgt. James “Jimmy” Terry, Sr., age 81, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home surrounded by his family on August 14, 2011. He was born on June 7, 1930 in McCombus, W. Virginia. After high school, James joined and served 21 years in the U.S. Air Force where he had a very successful and accomplished career. James was one of the first African Americans to serve as a Meteorologist in the USAF. He did tours of duty in both Korea and Vietnam and took part in many of our country’s most important military projects, including Atomic and Hydrogen bomb testing. After retiring from the Air Force, James served as a meteorologist for NOAA. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and was always eager to try something new. He owned and operated the Terry Fish Farm, sold fresh seafood at the Olympia Farmers Market, and owned Lagniappe Cajun Restaurant in Lacey, Washington. James had a very strong faith and was an active member of the Lacey Presbyterian Church. James was a devoted husband and very proud father. He married his wife of 53 years after they met in Kansas City, Missouri. Life took James and Ethel many places, including Plattsburg, NY, New Orleans, LA, Newfoundland, Canada, Moses Lake, WA, Klamath Falls, OR, Boise, ID, and Olympia, WA where they have made their home since 1975. James and Ethel brought three sons into the world, James Jr., Jonathan and Justin, and later adopted a daughter, Lisa. James enjoyed traveling with his wife and family. He loved good food and good music. He was thoughtful, kind, intensely loyal and took a genuine interest in people. He touched many peoples’ lives with his stories and caring. We will miss but always treasure his sense of humor and his endless compassion. James was preceded in death by his mother and father, Bessie and Floyd; his brother, Paul; and his sister, Rosa. He is survived by his wife Ethel; his children, Jay and his wife Jill, Jon and his wife Linda, Justin and his wife Jennifer, Lisa; and his grandchildren Makana, Kailea, Kenny and Kyle. Memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or Lacey Presbyterian Church. To leave memories of James or condolences for the family, please click on "View Guestbook below.