James Kent DePhelps
April 23, 1938 - May 18, 2024
Obituary
James Kent DePhelps (known to some as Jim, Jimmy, Skip, or #1 Most Handsome), born 1938, in Seattle, Washington, passed away on May 18, 2024, at Swedish Hospital in Sammamish, Washington. He will be reunited with his first wife, Diana, both of their parents, and many others as he is received into Heaven.
He grew up in Burien, WA, and graduated from Highline High School in 1956. He then matriculated to the University of Washington, where he played baseball, was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, and received his degree in physical education. After college, he worked as a purchasing agent for Boeing and then Honeywell in Minnesota before founding Northwest Manufacturing in 1969 with his partner, Al Brown in Seattle, Washington. Northwest Manufacturing was known for the exceptional quality of its work and generous treatment of employees and their families. It was the first sheet metal manufacturer in the United States to earn ISO certification and was instrumental in the mass production of the world’s first personal computers.
Jim was an exceptionally intelligent, generous, kind, humorous, principled and above all, honorable man. He raised a family of three daughters, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He was a passionate baseball player from youth until age 74, went to the Olympic trials for trap shooting, snowmobiled, traveled the world, read extensively, enjoyed crabbing, and caught all the biggest fish in the Puget Sound. He provided education, friendship, and laughs to numerous people.
He is survived by his second wife, Elnora; his three daughters, Christian Lane, Kelly Gunning, and Jennifer DenBeste, and their husbands, Ken, Bill, and Paul; his four grandchildren, Shon Jason, Dylan Gunning, Sarah, and Savannah Gunning; and his three great-grandchildren, Jack Gunning, Maddox Gunning, and James, who called him GG. He is also survived by his sister, Sandra Blackstone, and his brother, Michael DePhelps, as well as nieces, nephews, many friends, and acquaintances who will certainly grieve his loss.
Jim had a long and full life. His kind and giving gestures, good jokes, and many accomplishments can never all be fully recounted. He touched the lives of everyone who knew him and will be deeply missed by those who love him.
I love you Dad.
You will never be forgotten
All our Love
#1 most handsome and #1 grandfather. Forever in our hearts and by our sides until we’re together again.
One of a kind brother-in-law, that I shared nearly 70 years of of life memories and laughter. I love you Skip , Rest In Peace.
Jim was the definition of a good man. He was kind, extremely generous with a great sense of humor. He was fiery in a good way. Jim made a person feel special. He was a true mentor to many. Our family was grateful and honored to live in his orbit. We will truly miss him.
I can’t imagine where I would be today if Jim and Al Brown wouldn’t have hired me back in January of 74. You gave me the opportunity to thrive, and grow as a person. Jim was my mentor throughout my career at Nortwest Mfg and gave me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally over the years. Jim and Diana loved family festivities and included me and my family in many of those activities over the years. Yes Jim could be tuff, but once the discussion was over,
It was resolved and we moved forward. Jim loved to laugh and tell stories. Jim loved his family. You will be forever in my heart with love. There are so many memories I will cherish and continue talking about.
Rest in peace Jim, you will truly be missed by many.
You are missed immensely and loved deeply. You were so much to so many people. To your family you are everything. Thank you for the wonderful example you set for us. You are an exceptional human ; generous, loyal, kind, honorable, loving, humorous, intelligent, and the most handsome man ever! I love you forever