James Ray Messer Jr., a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on July 9, 2024, just one week shy of his 80th birthday. He was born in Waynesville, North Carolina. His family moved to the Pacific Northwest when he was a young boy and settled in Renton, Washington.
Jim graduated from Renton High School, class of ‘63, and attended Everett College after graduation. Jim married his high school sweetheart, Toni Fjeld. Together, they raised three loving children who will always cherish the great times and proudly carry on the strong values he taught them.
A master mason and custom home builder by trade, Jim was known for his unwavering work ethic and dedication to his trade. His hands built many homes and structures that testify to his skill and dedication. He took great pride in his work, always striving for perfection and ensuring every brick was laid with care and precision, and every home displayed his skills as a craftsman.
Jim embodied the spirit and resilience of his childhood home in the Maggie Valley of North Carolina, and his love for the great outdoors was a defining part of his life. As an avid hunter and fisherman, he spent countless hours in the woods of Washington and Montana and on the waters of the Pacific Coast. These activities not only brought him tranquility but also strengthened the bonds he had with friends and family. His chuckle when reminiscing about these adventures was infectious, and hearing his stories was always a delight.
Another of his passions was hot rods. Jim could often be found in his shop, tinkering with engines, restoring classic cars to their former glory, and mentoring others. His knowledge and expertise in this area were admired by many.
Jim was known for his compassionate heart and unwavering support for the little guy or underdog. Whether offering a job to a friend who needed work, a listening ear in times of trouble, or problem-solving a complex home improvement project, he always made it a point to help others. His kindness and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Jim is survived by his three children, Chandra Messer of Tacoma, Christina (Kelly) Nickerson of Ellensburg, and Jimmy Messer of Kent; his grandchildren, Kayla Behnke of Tacoma, Jordan Behnke of Bellevue, Austin (Lena) Nickerson of Ellensburg, Amber (Matt) Haggen of Bellingham, Natalee Messer of Kent, his three great- grandchildren, Anna, Ellie, and Monica Nickerson of Ellensburg, and his nephew Garrett Basquette of Spokane and niece Elizabeth Horton of Tacoma. His legacy of hard work, family values, love for the outdoors, and commitment to helping others will live on in their hearts and the stories they share with future generations.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James Ray Messer and Susie Jane (Caldwell), his stepfather, Phil Gotti, his sister, Patricia Basquette, and two grandsons, Jonathan Cole James Behnke and Alex Dean Nickerson.
Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His life was a testament to the values of dedication, hard work, love, and compassion, and his memory will forever be a source of inspiration.
Jim’s life will be celebrated on September 8, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Maplewood Greens Golf Course, located at 4050 Maple Valley Highway, Renton, WA 98057. Family and friends are invited to honor his memory and share stories of a life well-lived. Guests are encouraged to drive their hot rods to the celebration in tribute to Jim’s love for classic cars. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Washington.
Rest in peace, Dad. You will always be remembered and forever loved.
