James R. Stamateou passed away peacefully at home on October 15, 2023 at the age of 94.
Jim was born in Port Angeles on August 11, 1929, to Mary (Gotcher) and Evangelos Stamateou. He graduated from Port Angeles High school in 1948 and served aboard the USS Henrico APA-45 during the Korean War until 1952.
He returned to Port Angeles after the Korean War. He met Patricia Dotson and they married on August 8, 1954 at the First Baptist Church in Port Angeles.
Throughout his life, Jim was very proud of his Greek heritage and the large community he was a part of. As a young man, he was involved with the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association in Port Angeles. AHEPA’s mission was to continue the ideals of ancient Greece: philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family — principles that guided him the remainder of his life.
As a young man Jim was an active Boy Scout earning the rank of Eagle Scout in 1947. Jim was also an accomplished trumpet player and was part of a trumpet trio. He participated in numerous competitions, always coming away with superior ratings.
In 1957, Jim’s profession as a dental technician brought him to Aberdeen for a new job opportunity. He worked as a dental technician for over 30 years.
Along with fellow Rotarians Bob Swedblom, Mel Flavel and John Earley, Jim was instrumental in the building of Aberdeen’s Rotary Log Pavilion. The building is the result of six years of dedicated labor and the involvement of 125 individual volunteers.
After finding original pieces in Aberdeen’s St. Andrew’s Church attic, Jim worked to restore and rebuild the historic altar of the Episcopal church.
Jim and Patty owned and operated Forbes Travel Service which afforded them the ability to travel extensively both here and abroad.
After retiring, Jim became an avid wood-turner who enjoyed the camaraderie of all his wood-turning buddies in Western Washington. Jim’s one of kind original woodworking pieces were always in demand at the annual Rotary Auction.
Jim also volunteered his time with Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouts, YMCA Camp Bishop and the YMCA board. He was an active member of Holy Trinity Episcopal church in Hoquiam and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Aberdeen.
Jim is survived by his wife of 69 years, Patricia and his three children: Geri Scott (Aberdeen), Laurie Wagner (Port Orchard) and James Stamateou Jr. (Seattle). He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ronald and Marge Dotson of Port Angeles.
Jim was surrounded by a large extended family including sons-in-law Fred Scott, Kurt Wagner (d. 2012) and Guy Besner, grandchildren Kyle Scott (Angela), Ryan Scott (Lindsey), Jessica Wagner-Smith (Ryan) and Tasha Madden (Nate) and nine great- grandchildren, his pride and joy.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
