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James Paul Gotzian, 65

May 8, 1951 – April 10, 2017

On Monday, April 10, 2017, at the age of 65, Jim Gotzian passed away at home. As a husband, father, brother and uncle, he held all of his family members close. But he loved his friends and neighbors, too. If you thought of yourself as Jim’s friend for five minutes, he thought of you as his friend for life.

Born James Paul Gotzian on May 8, 1951, at Sacred Heart Hospital, the river of Jim’s friendships ran broad and deep, often dating to his childhood on the South Hill. Some he met as a kid at Hutton Elementary, others in middle school at St. George’s. Some he knew from summers at Hayden Lake, he graduated from Lewis and Clark High School and then attended Seattle University.

Jim started showing symptoms of muscular dystrophy by the age of 18, and after four years of aggressive medical interventions and a misdiagnosis, he went on to live his life with the cards he was dealt and entered the real estate business. Physical limitations dictated a career change and Jim became a stockbroker for Paine Webber in 1983. In 2001, he retired from Dain Rauscher.

A lot of good things happened for Jim, but two stand out. He met the love of his life in 1986 and he and Kristi Rudman were married in 1988. His son, Quinn, born in 2001 rocked his world. Kristi nudged Jim to have his best life, but being Quinn’s dad transformed Jim into his best self. Every quality was enhanced, and his edges softened as he found his deepest love yet. At 50 and significantly disabled, the sweetest chapter of his life was just beginning.

Throughout his life, Jim loved to travel. The family had just returned from a grand tour of California a few days before he passed away. He loved to feel the wall of energy that rises off New York City as he got off the plane. He loved the skyline, the Art Deco architecture and New Yorkers in general. A pastrami sandwich at a Jewish deli made him downright verklempt. He sobbed when the Twin Towers fell.

Jim loved San Francisco, too — both the seedy and the highbrow. First and foremost, he loved Hawaii, but the last past 10 years, filled with trips to Bucerias, Mexico, fed his soul. His trips to Europe with his wine pals were lifelong sources of joy. No matter where he was, Jim had a great sense of direction — getting lost wasn’t ever his fault, nor did he ever ask for directions. He was Jimmy GPS.

He loved wine and was a great cook. When he was able, he was an excellent snow skier and the first barefoot water skier on Hayden Lake. He loved to drive, and would always pine for his old MG and an open road. With Jim, everything was an adventure.

Jim loved music, and his 1970s-era Pioneer speakers still adorn his living room, and, yes, they still sound great. When then-2-year-old Quinn was belting out “Satisfaction” and could name all the Rolling Stones, he beamed with pride. He sculpted and painted. He was a photographer. He had an eye for art and loved all of its forms.

Throughout his life he was a role model to his two younger sisters, who both shared his diagnosis. That may have been his best work as a man. To his able-bodied brother and sisters, he was an amazing inspiration in courage and positive perseverance.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kristi, and his son, Conrad “Quinn” Gotzian; sisters Gail Weinberg (Gary), Debbi Leslie and Jan Nail (Rick); and brother Hap (Cheryl); numerous nieces, nephews and their children — Brian Weinberg (Rachel) and sons Deker and Evan, Brad Weinberg, Blake Weinberg, Jessica Nail Malde (Chris) and children Jake, Parker and Gwyneth, Shelby Nail Lang (Julian) and a baby girl due May 2, Scott Leslie (Ariel) and a baby boy due June 7, Grant Leslie, Peter Leslie, Sarah Gotzian and Perry Gotzian; Jim’s beloved cousins, Nick (Bonnie), Peri (Leslie) and Dino (Stefani) and Sally Pierone, Paddie Hahn Brennen, Harriet Hahn and Jack Dailey. Also surviving his loss are his mother-in-law, Florence Rudman; brothers-in-law, John and Jay (Janice); niece Alex and sister-in-law Kim Froewiss (Matthew). Jim was preceded in death by his dad, Conrad “Connie;” his mom, Joan; sister Jill; father-in-law Jack Rudman and many dear friends.

Jim’s life was made easier and more fun by the friendship and support of his wonderful caregiver, Terri Wilcken. Our appreciation for Terri is beyond words. Dave and Sue Hamer have been neighbors and extended family over the last 25 years, helping out in so many ways. We are grateful for all the ways they have made life work for Jim.

A funeral Mass celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2017, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 330 E. Boone, Spokane, Wash. A reception will follow at the Manito Country Club.

For those wishing to make a donation in his honor, Jim’s family suggests the Gonzaga Prep Fair Share program or the Union Gospel Mission.