James Harley Hamre

James Hamre, 61, of Puyallup, WA, passed away on December 18, 2017. A generous and loving man who made friends wherever he went; Jim spent his life "railfanning" and enjoyed world-travel, photography, gardening, and rooting for the Mariners. He was born on March 30, 1956 in Miles City, MT. The family moved to Puyallup in1969. Railroads were in his blood. Both his parents and his two grandfathers worked for the railroad. Jim was a boy scout who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a graduate of Rogers High School and Washington State University, and worked for the Milwaukee Road railroad during his college years. He worked for 33 years at WSDOT as a civil engineer and later as manager of their IT department. He retired early to have more time to travel. He went to Switzerland three times just to ride their trains. His last trip was to Normandy, France to see the beach where his dad landed in WWII. Jim was a lector at All Saints Parish for many years. Every week he could be found volunteering at St. Francis House, where he was also on the board of directors. A tireless advocate for public transportation; he was vice president of All Aboard Washington and was the newsletter editor since 1988. He was also on the board of directors of The Rail Passengers Association (formerly NARP). Most of all, Jim loved family. He was an amazing and caring Uncle who showed his nieces and nephews D.C., New York, Philadelphia, Yellowstone Park, and many others places of historical interest. Jim is survived by his mother Carolyn (née Cavanaugh) Hamre; brothers Thomas (Kristi) Hamre, Michael Hamre; sister Mary (Marty) Kellogg; sister-in-law Debbie Hamre; nieces and nephews: Brian (Amber) Hamre, Christopher Hamre, Laura Hamre, Sarah (Adam) Edelstein, Rachel (James) Topper, Benjamin Hamre; seven great-nieces and great-nephews; and a large extended family. Jim is preceded in death by his father Alvin and his brother Martin. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Francis house in Puyallup or All Aboard Washington.