James Jimmy E. Ko
June 1, 1927 - February 1, 2009
Obituary
Born June 1, 1927, Jimmy passed away peacefully at home on February 1, 2009 surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his daughters Janyce Fisher Mark, Jami Namba Roy, sons Michael Ko Cheryl, Curtis Ko Patti and grandchildren Blake Marie, Jenni, Taryn, Paul, Emi, Sarah, Katie, Shelby and Conner. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Pauline.
Jimmy lived his life devoted to the service of others; first in the Navy, then as a carrier and manager with the US Postal Service, while at the same time, leading a Boy Scout Troop and actively participating in regional Boy Scouts of America activities, and finally, in his ‘retirement’ as a Section Seating Captain for the Mariners at Safeco Field.
Jimmy was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. For each, their first visual memory is that of a video camera hovering over their crib, with their ‘Gung-Gung’ at the other end.
A Memorial Service will be held at Bonney-Watson on Sunday, February 8, 2009 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations or memorials to Providence Hospice of Seattle, 425 Pontius Ave N., Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98109. www.providence.org/hospiceofseattle
It was my distinct pleasure to be a co-worker of Jimmy’s for the first eight years of SAFECO Field’s operations. Jimmy was an alert, sensitive, compassionate Team Captain who always had time for the employees. He was a past master of the art of dealing with difficult people. He was always there when I needed assistance or support. I worked side-by-side with his team for many years and was thrilled when Team Five was awarded the inaugural “Team of the Year” award; hopefully, the memorial of that event will stay glued to the pillar at Section 105 for a long time. I’ll never forget our mutual adventures with keeping the smokers out of the Family Restroom at Section 104! Jimmy taught me how important a good rendition of the National Anthem was…and every time I hear it played properly, in march tempo, I will think of him. LMD, employee #1364, retired
Jimmy is one of the nicest human beings I have ever been associated with. I loved to work for him at Safeco Field on Team 5. He had a specail way of making us all feel equally valuable to him and our contribution to the team. I will miss Jimmy very much, but will always be grateful to God that our paths intersected for almost nine years at Safeco Field. My thoughts and prayers are with Jimmy’s wonderful family as you spend time together this weekend in remembrance and reunion. God bless you all. Gary Woodroof