Jim F. Vatn
November 18, 1943 - November 7, 2010
Obituary
James F. Vatn
1943-2010
Jim Vatn passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, November 7, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was a lifetime Ballard resident who enjoyed the nickname ‘Mr. Ballard’ for his various activities in support of the community he loved.
He was born on November 18, 1943, and attended Whittier Elementary and James Monroe Junior High School. Jim graduated from Ballard High School in 1962 and the University of Washington in 1968 with a degree in Political Science. He spent most of his career in banking, and remained an active supporter of the Rainier Bank Alumni Association.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Joan, daughter Elisa and mother Emma. He also leaves behind his cousins Patricia Bakke, Nancy Bickel Terry, and Beverly Hennum Les. In addition, he is survived by 12 cousins in Norway, as well as extended family in both countries. He was preceded in death by his father John Martin Vatn. The Seattle Norwegian-American community was his passion, from his unbridled support of his alma mater Ballard High School to his devotion to many civic events and organizations including serving as member and past president of Seafair, being an original member of Seattle Mariners RBI Club, Ballard Rotary Club, Swedish Medical Center Board of Governors, Ballard 17th of May Committee and parade chair for 30 years, Nordlandslaget Femboringen, University of Washington Department of Scandinavian Studies, Nordic Heritage Museum, Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce, Sons of Norway and Ballard High School Foundation. Jim volunteered as the announcer for the Ballard High School basketball games where he proudly called himself the ‘Voice of the Beavers’. He served as auctioneer at numerous fundraising organizations and also served as Chair and master of ceremonies at the annual Syttende Mai Parade in honor of Norway’s independence day. He was honored in 1997 when his majesty King Harold VI, King of Norway, knighted him with the Royal Order of St. Olaf’s medal for all his work in promoting relationships between Norway and the United States. He loved the community spirit of Ballard and the hundreds of friends he made there. Jim received the Capt. Wm. R. Ballard Award from the Ballard High School Foundation, the Stan Boreson Award from the Ballard Chamber of Commerce and the 2007 Golden Acorn Award from the Ballard High School PTSA, and the Seattle City Council recognized his contribution to Seattle’s diverse cultural population by designating August 4, 2009 as Sir Jim Vatn Day in Seattle. His energy for The Ballard High School Foundation was infectious as he inspired others to support the annual Ballard High School Golf Classic, which has raised more than $600, 000 for the school’s athletics and music programs. Jim will be missed in Ballard and throughout the Seattle area for his wit, wisdom and energy to roll up his sleeves and ‘get the job done’ attitude. His passion was truly special, inspiring and his love for Ballard High School and the community will be missed by all who came to know him. A memorial service will be held on November 21 at 1:30 pm, at Ballard First Lutheran Church, 2006 NW 65th St, Seattle followed by a Celebration of Life at Leif Erickson Hall, 2245 NW 57th St, Seattle. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Philip J. Gold and staff at Swedish Cancer Institute, First Hill Campus, Swedish Home Care Services, and Sequoia In Home Care, as well as the kind support of Ballard Rotary Club. Remembrances are suggested to Elisa Vatn Education Fund at Key Bank, Swedish Medical Center Foundation, Rotary Foundation or Ballard High School Foundation.
Joan:
I just heard about Jim’s passing…I have so many grand memories of Seafair parades and Hawaii Aloha trips with Jim!
Sherry and I are thinking of you.
Doug
I am very saddened by the news that Jimmy has passed away, and that cancer is still robbing us of so many good people. I’ll always cherish my memories of Jimmy growing up next door to us in Ballard, and have enjoyed seeing him successfully mature — and remain in Ballard to contribute to our community. I am so impressed at what he was able to accomplish.
Joan and family,
It has been over 20 years since I hired Jim to work at Metropolitan Federal. He was a hard worker, and seemed to know everyone in Seattle. I have been in Tucson for 11 years, so am late with this message. My condolences to your family. I have fond memories of Jim.
Dear Emma,Joan and Elisa, We are so sad for your loss. Jim fought a good fight…and he now is victorious and free from his pain. We will continue to pray for you all…he will be missed so much and by so very many. Jim has left quite a legacy…he was such a great man of character, dedication, service and integrity. Our prayers are with you. Love, Selma, Kris and family
Dear Joan & Family,
We mourn the loss of your loved one and our dear friend and outstanding community supporter. He gave so much of himself to our Ballard Community, and leaves a wonderful legacy. He will be terribly missed at so many functions, and for me our Ballard Senior Center Auction will never be the same. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and may beautiful memories comfort you at this time of loss.
Rutha Thomas
We will miss Jim’s friendly neighborly chats. It was a pleasure to know him.
Steve, Christine and Adrian Dalton
What a loss! I have such fond memories of working with Jim at Rainier Bank. He was always the most supportive and encouraging individual that raised my spirits whenever I would see him. His unselfish dedication to improving the community and lives of others was a wonderful example to all of us. I regret I will not be able to attend the services but will keep Jim and the family in my prayers. Peace be with you Jim and thanks for memories!
What a loss! I have such fond memories of working with Jim at Rainier Bank. He was always the most supportive and encouraging individual that raised my spirits whenever I would see him. His unselfish dedication to improving the community and lives of others was a wonderful example to all of us. I regret I will not be able to attend the services but will keep Jim and the family in my prayers. Peace be with you Jim and thanks for memories!
Jim’s legacy of service to community is remarkable. His contributions to Ballard High School were significant in many dimensions. He will be missed. My condolences to the family.
Jim, Tusen, Tusen Takk for Alt
You brightened our lives. You brought alive our Great Heritage. You were an awesome friend, and of course Husband and Father, and Son.
You are surely missed, but we know that we will see you again!
Knut and Judith Johansen
Jim was a staunch supporter of Seafair over 20 years, and gave so much of his time and talent to ensure Seattle’s biggest celebration was successful each year. He will be missed.
We just received the very sad message that Jim Vatn died November 7. When I worked with Rainier Bank on a scholarship in 1978 Jim was the one that received me and generously took time to introduce me to the staff in the bank. Jim was my mentor through the whole stay and he also introduce my wife, myself and our kids to parts of the Norwegian community in Seattle. We also had the opportunity to visit Emma and had a good chat about their relations in Norway. We shall also never forget the delicious dinner Emma served that evening. Jim will allways have a great space in our hearts and we wish Emma all the strength you will need in this difficult time. Grete and Jarl.
Joan, Elisa, Emma.
We are so sad Jim left this earth too soon. He was a great man.
Elisabeth, Thomas, Ellen, Alex.
Joan, I was so sad to hear about the loss of Jim. What great fun we had working together and playing softball. He had great wit and a kind heart. He will be missed!
Chris Radford
Jim “Rest in Peace” I always remember Jim with a smile on his face. We worked together for many years.
Dear Joan, Elisa, and Emma,
Jim was my “kindred heart” in love for our heritage and truly epitomized “alt for Norge” throughout his years of service to our Norwegian community. He was our own Mr. Norway and as my mentor and dear friend it was an honor to serve with him through the years. Syttende Mai will not be the same without Jim.
As was his approach to life, he fought his sickness valiantly and with great courage. He didn’t do this alone and we know you were beside him all the way, so we honor you and send our love and prayers. May you find God’s comfort and hope in the midst of your sorrow and know that you are surrounded by a loving community.
My love and blessings,
Laila
We both worked with Jim at the bank and he was always smiling and good for a laugh. He made this a much better place.
To the Vatn Family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Jim. John & Jim graduated together from Ballard H.S
and we were delighted to have him next door at Rainier Bank from our restaurant Latitude 47* He was a wonderful friend through the years and a great family man who adored all of you with his whole heart. May the Lord comfort you through this difficult time ahead and give you peace knowing that He has prepared a place of sunshine and no more pain for Jim, and he will be beside you every step of the way. he will live in our memories and our hearts forever.
Dear Joan,
I was very sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. He was always so enthusiastic and an inspiration to all for his good work in our community. Love, Annie Johnson
Joan,we are so sad to hear of Jim’s passing.Memories from softball to the trips to Hawaii with you and Jim always remind us of how much fun it was to be with Jim.Our thoughts are with you and family. Bill and Fran
Joan – Donna & I send our condolences to you and your daughter on losing Jim. I first met Jim when we were trainees at Ballard Branch in 1968. He was always positive in his outlook. He will be missed by all of us.
My fondest memory comes from a 17 of May Parade. Members of my 4-H Club were walking in front of the Ballard Community Center van driven by my boss. When Jim did the announcement for our unit, he said, “Ballard Community Center, led by Elaine Dunn the director of Ballard Community Center” UFFDA, my boss teased me about my promotion. The parade will not be the same without Jim’s smile at the reviewing stand. Elaine Dunn
Rest in peace Jim. Little did I know that when you took me to the hospital the day my son was born that it was also your birthday. That was 30 years ago! I have fond memories of working with you at Rainier Bank and also playing all of those softball games in Moxee City! The phrase “Dirt Ball” has never been the same.
We had great times playing softball for Latitude 47 especially the get togethers afterwards in Georgetown. Miss seeing you at the bank; and especially, in greenwood from time to time. God Bless; Rest in Peace My Friend!!!!!
You are forever in our hearts and memories are treasured.
Love from
Astrid and Aage Grundstad
Line Grundstad Hanke and Michael Hanke
Tom, Marit, Anne, Hilde and Morten Grundstad
I was sad to hear of Jim’s passing and will always remember him for all of his time and support for Seafair. You will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
John and Jennifer Davies
When I think of Jim, words like genuine, loyal, committed, friend, patriotic, honest and family come to mind. Jim will be missed by people and communities alike. It is such a loss to lose a person like Jim and equally, such a blessing to have known him. Joan, Elisa and Emma, you meant the whole world to Jim. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kim & Cass Salzwedel
Our condolences at the passing of Jim. I graduated with him in ’62 and had seen him recently at Swedish. I, too, am battling cancer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. God bless.
Rest in peace, Dear Jim. We worked together many years and you always buoyed me up. Lets do it again.
Joan, Elisa & Emma, we send you our deepest sympathy at the loss of your husband, father and son. Jim was a real treasure!
To the Vatn Family,
Jim will truly be missed in my heart and many others as well. I had only known him since 2007 when I joined the Seafair Parade Marshals, but I have learned “ALOT” from him. I will miss the talks we had via telephone, and seeing him at review doing the emceeing of the parade in May. Jim you know we will “ALL” keep the parade going the way you wanted it to go.
I know that we will all be reunited someday, and I will never forget the last Marshal meeting Jim attended, stating that they “should make my position as Sunshine Chair Permanent” and never let me leave, as he enjoyed the cards, small gifts etc, that I would send.
I was saddened to hear when his health finally took a toll on him, as he was a fighter to the end.
We will miss you, but in spirit you will always be here to guide many.
Roberta Engelhart, Gary Lanphear and Greg Engelhart
I just learned yesterday of Jim’s passing some 18 months ago.
I met Jim a dozen or so years ago, when I was the reporter and then editor at the Ballard News-Tribune and Jim was, and long had been, Mr. Everything in Ballard. Jim was very welcoming and helpful and, above all, realistic about the community he loved. He know its strengths and worked to make them all the stronger, and he knew its shortcomings and worked to lessen them. Ballard was much the better for having had Jim Vartn for as long as it did. My condolences to Jim’s family. Please know that even someone as peripherally acquainted with him as myself is deeply saddened to learn of his passing.