James L. Moyer, 88, lifetime Harborite, passed away peacefully June 28, 2017, in Hoquiam, Wash. Jim was born Aug. 27, 1928, in Hoquiam to William and Towa (Ishimatsu) Moyer. He was married to his beloved wife June (Bjorndahl-Clark) for 49 years and considered himself blessed to be married to his true love and best friend. To his family, Jim was a private, gentle man with a pure and loving heart.
In June, 1942, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the government sent Jim along with his mother, brothers and sister to the Tule Lake, Calif. internment camp. His father was left home to run their small farm in Hoquiam. Although this was a difficult time for his family, Jim recalled vividly the outpouring of support he and his family received from neighbors and friends. Years later he wrote a poignant account of his months in Tule Lake for his grown children. In concluding his journal, Jim’s own words movingly express his heartfelt feelings.
“… I would like to say that I am proud of my heritage – – the Japanese on my Mom’s side, and the Pennsylvania Dutch (German) on my Dad’s side. What I am even more proud of is my family. How very fortunate I am.”
Jim graduated in 1946 from Hoquiam High School where he was a member of the Grizzly football team. Though of small stature, Jim packed plenty of dynamite as a tough guard, earning him the nickname “Tiny Mite” by The Daily World. Jim also lettered in track as a member of the relay team. He thoroughly enjoyed high school activities, but never let fun interfere with his responsibilities on the farm.
Jim proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War aboard the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Boxer. As an Aviation Boatswain Mate and Barrier Operator, his duties required utmost precision to ensure the safe landing of fighter jets. Jim was a deeply humble man, uncomfortable with accolades. His children only recently learned he had received a letter of commendation for his high standard of performance and superior knowledge of his duties. Although his active duty was emotional to recall, his love for country and pride as a veteran ran deep.
After his military service, Jim returned to Hoquiam where he worked as a glazier for 39 years, first with Root Paint and Glass (18 years), and retiring after 21 years as manager for Bayview Glass. Jim’s work ethic was unparalleled. He didn’t know the meaning of a 40 hour work week. Co-workers and apprentices still recall his commitment to quality work as do his children. His words, “Do a job you can be proud of” still resonates with them. Doing less than their best was not an option.
With June by his side, Jim completely rebuilt their home on wooded acreage in north Hoquiam. It was a little piece of heaven where family gathered for 50 years to laugh, play and celebrate. The Moyers welcomed all creatures great and small (even an occasional black bear). After retiring, Jim spent hours in his workshop designing and building beautiful furniture and creating a variety of unique pieces for his family. All made with love. When not in his shop, Jim enjoyed the outdoors, chasing the next big fish or digging his limit of clams in record time.
Jim will be greatly missed by his devoted wife, June; daughters, Cindy Basich (John); Kelly Olson (Arnie); Kiko Carstensen (Brad); Sandy Laird (Dale); and sons, Bryan Clark (Debbie); and Ricky Clark (Janese) and niece Michele Eaton (Mark). He especially enjoyed his 13 grandchildren – Mylei Carlson, Katrina Cross, Angela Scott, Jamie Davis, Elijah Page, Gabriel Basich, Corey Clark, Ashley Davis, Krystal Dierick, Janelle Ancich, and Eric and Julia Carstensen. Jim also had 12 great-grandchildren with one on the way.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Jack, Chester and Bill, sister, Madeline Kelly and precious granddaughter, Joscelyn Clark.
A private family ceremony will be held at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hoquiam Food Bank, P.O. Box 472, Hoquiam, WA 98550.
