James J. Petrich

11/3/1926 – 09/19/2018

Jim was a Renaissance Man. He was a designer, naval architect, engineer, artist, accomplished historian, navy veteran, student of the universe and a devout Catholic. He designed and built many boats, houses and apartments throughout WA. Jim was an exceptional husband to Mary Ann, father to Peter, John, Mary and Annmarie and grandfather to Michael, Brian, Melissa, Nicole and Jamie. Services were held at St. James Cathedral on 9/28/2018.
Jim was born in Tacoma, Washington to John and Mary Petrich. He attended St. Patrick School, a high school in San Diego, Stadium High School and UPS. He worked with his father at Puget Sound Boatbuilding, leaving in 1954 to have his own business. Jim was a quiet, modest, innovative and unassuming man. He was a student of history and the family historian. He traveled throughout Europe, served in the Pacific during WWII and loved San Francisco. He cherished his time with his family at his beach place on Fox Island and his mountain cabin at Timberline. Jim and his wife Mary Ann were married for 64 years. His love for his family was beyond measure and he shared his talents with his children and grandchildren. Jim is also survived by his sister Carol Kalapus and brother Jerry Petrich. Jim loved, was loved and will be sorely missed. He made his mark and a difference in this world.