James Raymond Short
August 15, 1944 - August 1, 2022
Obituary
Attorney James R. Short (referred to by family and friends as Jim) passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, August 1, 2022 in Federal Way, WA, with his wife, Marilynn, by his side.
Jim was born in Aberdeen, WA to Raymond Williams and Cecilia Rovella on August 15, 1944. In 1955, Cecilia married Daniel Short, who legally adopted Jim.
Jim attended AJ West Elementary School, Hoquiam Junior High School, and graduated from Hoquiam Senior High School in 1962. Jim completed his undergraduate degree at Washington State University in 1966 and received his Doctor of Jurisprudence at University of Oregon Law School in 1969.
While in high school and college, Jim worked at the Grays Harbor Veneer Plant, and for Pride Brothers doing hot tar roofing. In addition, to earn room and board he would work at his parent’s tavern, The Spotlight, tending bar, watching the door, and spending Sunday’s cleaning up after Saturday night. When he finished cleaning, he’d reward himself by playing shuffleboard with his friend John Perry.
After graduating law school, Jim chose to volunteer with the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), and was assigned to help in Detroit, MI. Prior to leaving for Detroit, Jim took his bar exam. He passed on his first try and was sworn into the Washington State Bar Association on October 30, 1969.
However, just before he was to start his VISTA service, Jim’s mother Cecilia and Betty Marilynn Nelson ran into each other in the Swanson’s produce department, and they thought it would it be a good idea for Jim to meet Mrs. Nelson’s daughter. So, Jim and Marilynn Nelson met up at The Spotlight Tavern. After a short one-hour courtship, he proposed to Marilynn that night and she said, “Yes.” Five days later he left for his VISTA service and was in Detroit from 1969 to 1970. Upon his return, Jim and Marilynn were married on August 30, 1970.
They soon moved into their first home in Redondo, WA and then to Federal Way, where they settled into their house of 45 years in Twin Lakes and raised their three boys. In the summer, Jim loved spending time at their Sömmar Stuga (their home on Vashon). He loved to pick blackberries for Marilynn to make jam.
Jim’s first office was located in a portable at the old Gee Gee’s Truck Stop, across the street from what is now Costco. This is where he met June Cashen, who became his secretary/paralegal and remained with him until she retired at the age of 72. He was devastated when she left, as June meant the world to him. She and her husband John became close family friends and they all often traveled together. Then walked in Melissa Blake, who he adored, she remained with him until his retirement in November of 2021.
In the early 70’s, Jim and attorney Greg DeBay formed a law partnership. During that time, he met Michael Zimmar who spent the summers of 1972, ’73, ’74 interning for Jim while going to Law School. He and Michael became lifelong friends. Eventually, Jim ventured out on his own becoming a sole practitioner. Over the years he shared office space with the law firms of Cromwell, Mendoza and Belur, and Ruth Moen.
Jim was a member of the Washington State Bar Association for 52 years as well as the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Jim was a big sports fan. He loved to watch and attend games. Whatever sport was in season, that was his favorite at the time. In school, he ran track, and played baseball and football. As an adult, he played softball and soccer, until an injury forced him to retire. He loved deep sea fishing across the bar out of Westport and Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island. While in Mexico, during a Bar Convention, a group of lawyers went fishing off the coast of Acapulco, where Jim landed a 10-foot Sailfish. He was so proud of his catch, he had it stuffed to bring home. It has hung in the entryway of the family home ever since.
In their neighborhood, Jim and Marilynn made lifelong friends and they affectionately called themselves “The 4th of July Gang.” For over 40 years these close friends, celebrated holidays and milestones with one another. It consisted of six families with 14 children.
In 1997, when his youngest son graduated from high school, Jim brought back “date night,” which he and Marilynn enjoyed nearly every Friday night until his passing.
Jim loved eating great food and dining out in his tuxedo. One of his greatest joys was to share a meal with family and friends.
Jim enjoyed the theatre, especially musicals, holding season tickets to the Tacoma Musical Playhouse. As for Ballet, not so much, the music would put him to sleep.
Jim and Marilynn shared a love of travel. San Francisco was their special getaway, where they enjoyed having Irish Coffees at the Buena Vista and staying at the Fairmont Hotel. Over the years, they visited multiple countries across Western and Eastern Europe, but Italy was his favorite. Jim was proud of his Italian heritage and being there brought him great joy. He also enjoyed visiting friends in Wyoming, Arizona, Oregon, Idaho, California and Washington.
About ten years ago while traveling in Europe, Jim acquired a bow tie as a souvenir. He was smitten. From then on, he became a collector of bowties and it became his signature.
Jim was a husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He is survived by his wife, Marilynn and his three sons: James and his wife Jessica of Canby, OR, Michael and his wife Jeanette of Bellingham, WA, and David and his wife Brigitta of Amsterdam, Netherlands; four grandchildren; Isabella (Bella) Lorynn, Zoe Rose, Nico Rovella, and Celena Short-Nemes; and his brothers Fred and Daniel, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law Kathy.
Memorials can be made to Christ Lutheran Church: 2501 SW 320th Street, Federal Way, WA 98023 or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are by Bonney-Watson in Federal Way. Please take a moment to record your thoughts for the family by signing the online registry.
Stan and Bonnie Johannes
Dear Marilyn and family,.
It was quite a shock for us to read of Jim’s passing and send sincere condolences to you. Take care and treasure the memories of your many years together.
Stan and Bonnie
My condolences to Marilyn and family. Jim was an excellent lawyer and a “good old Hoquiam guy.” RIP
Andy Smith
There was a group of King County Superior Court employees who met for coffee before work and Jim often joined us. I appreciated his stories and his insight. When he spoke of his family it was always with a smile. RIP counsel.
Our thoughts are with the family. Jim was always there when I needed some legal help. He was a great guy and this is way too soon. We had some good discussions in his office. Take care. I have many good memories from his professional life and our family. We cannot make the ceremony but our thoughts are with you all.
Andy and Lorrie Smith
Oldest son of Oliver and Joanne Smith
Grandson of Aurelia Miner and Joseph Scoralle
Marilyn and family, we were so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. Both of us were classmates of Jim and at the 60th Hoquiam High Class of ‘62 Reunion Jim was remembered fondly. He will always be remembered. Thoughts and prayers to you Marilyn,.
So glad we got to see you at Twin Lakes CC last year. Rest in peace, dear friend.
I loved chatting with Jim at the courthouse, listening to his stories, sharing in his passion for justice. We’ve lost a good one – May his memory be for a blessing.
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We met at the RJC many years ago and his warm personality, his charisma, and smile was contagious. We later stumbled across one another in Federal Way and learned that we both lived in the Twin Lakes area. He often asked how my kids were doing and took an interest in hearing how my oldest son was doing. He will be greatly missed!
Jim was a colleague in King County Superior Court. He was a class act, a friend, and caring attorney!
I’m shocked by our loss!
Dear Marilynn, we are so very sorry about Jim, our prayers are for you and the family. I sent a text to you on the cell # that I had and hope you recieved it. I do hope we can meet up soon . Sincerely , Donna and Dean
Had competed in sports with Jim since junior high (football/track) and then in slo-pitch softball as an adult. He always had a smile on his face, and a story to tell. Will miss him dearly – one of the good guys.
I always enjoyed watching Jim play sports in Hoquiam High School events. My heart goes out to classmate Marilyn. Blessings and Peace to you and your family.
To the Rovella’s, we are so sorry for your loss. Jim was a very kind person from our few experiences we had with him during family reunions. We pray Gods peace over the family. Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the whole family. We love you and pray some day we can all gather again as one family.
The Rogers Todd and Cathy
I just found out about Jim’s passing. I have so many memories with Jim in the Courtroom. We would share war stories about cases and his sense of humor was timeless. The world seems just a little emptier now that Jim is gone. Rest in peace and sincere condolences to his family, whom he adored
I am sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He & I had many cases over the years in my role as a prosecuting atty. Jim was a fine lawyer who represented his clients well. His word could always be trusted. He was always friendly & affable. Condelences to his family.
I was checking to see if Jim was still in practice and completely shocked to read that he had passed. My condolences go out to his family and friends. He has worked with myself and other members of my family throughout the years.
He will be missed & never forgotten.