James Vincent Verone

James Vincent Verone passed away June 12, 2022, in Olympia, Wash., his home for 43 years. He was born May 22, 1954, to Anthony P. and Susan (Venditto) Verone in New Castle, Penn. Jim graduated from New Castle High School in 1972 and earned an AA and Paramedic certification from Central Washington University. Jim worked as a paramedic for American Ambulance in Vancouver, Wash. (1980-1992) where he was awarded the 1986 Paramedic of the Year; a paramedic/firefighter with Mason County Fire District 5 (1992-2002); Mason County 911 Dispatch Supervisor (2002-2022); and volunteer firefighter for McLane/Black Lake Fire Department (1988-1995 and 2001-2004), reaching the rank of Assistant Chief, and receiving the Black Lake Fire Dept. 1992 Inspirational Leader award and the 2002 McLane Fire Dept. Officer of the Year award. He was a member of the Washington State Fire Fighters’ Association (served as Treasurer) and Mason County Fire 5 Local IAFF 2984 (served as President). He married Terryl Louise Kovalick on May 21, 1977, at Third United Presbyterian Church in New Castle, Penn. Jim loved family. He shared that the “best day of his life” was being able to watch his daughter be born. He adored her and also loved his two nieces and six nephews. He loved to laugh and enjoyed bantering bad jokes with his brother and son-in-law. He had an extensive family of friends who meant the world to him. He loved a good time and enjoyed any party. Jim also loved everything fire related: history, tradition, education, and training the new generations of fire fighters. He loved golf, pheasant hunting with his best friend, Oregon Ducks footfall, Mariners baseball, being a die-hard Steelers fan, and traveling. He is survived by his wife, Terryl Louise Verone; daughter, Adrienn Louise Verone-Narvaez and son-in-law, William Narvaez III; mother, Susan Verone; brother, Anthony Verone, and sister-in-law, Regina Donofrio Verone. He was preceded in death by his father, Anthony P. Verone. A memorial service will be held July 16, 2022, 1:30 p.m. at McLane Black Lake Fire Department, 125 Delphi Road NW, Olympia, WA 98502. Memorial donations may be made to the Washington State Fire Fighters’ Association Scholarship Fund, 1910 4th Ave. East, PMB 117, Olympia, WA 98506-4632. Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.