James C. Hammeren

James “Jim” Hammeren was born July 30, 1941, in Priest River, Idaho, to Aldon and Inga (Evenson) Hammeren. He spent his days swimming and playing with his sisters and cousins. He loved horses and always wanted to be a cowboy. His favorite toy was a wooden gun made for him by his father.

In 1953, his family moved to a farm in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He attended Dalton Gardens Grade School, where he made many friends.

At age 16, Jim drove up the Alcan Highway with his girlfriend, Statie, her mom, Rose, and her sister, Jeanie, to join Statie's dad, Dick Nierstheimer. Jim lived in Alaska, working alongside Dick for many years on projects, including the Homer Spit. He married Statie in July of 1959 in Anchorage. They moved to Snohomish, Wash., in 1962 and their daughter, Dena, was born in 1963.

In 1977, Jim finished his education by earning his GED. He worked as an operators engineer, covered pool tables and often competed in pool tournaments. He owned and operated Hammeren Sand & Gravel from 1989 to 2001. Being proud of his Norwegian heritage, he was a member of The Sons of Norway for many years.

In 2006, he moved to an apartment overlooking Lake Stevens and resided there until he passed away peacefully on Aug. 7, 2020.

He left us to join his parents; sister, Lena; nephews Rodney and Rick; and his first love, Statie.

He leaves behind his daughter, Dena; son-in-law Paul; grandsons, James, Kody and Tyler; granddaughter-in-law, Terra; sisters, Laura and Linda; great-grandchildren, Jolene, Ethan, Riley and Forrest; nephews, Kevin, Kurt, Mike, Rory and David; and nieces, Debbie and Becky.

He will be missed.