James Tuning

It is with deep sadness, yet profound gratitude for a life so fully and beautifully lived, that his family shares the passing of James ‘Jim’ Tuning. Born on June 17, 1941, in Loup City, Nebraska, and raised in Arcadia, Nebraska, Jim filled every role in his life—father, grandfather, brother, cousin, friend, veteran, and mentor—with boundless dedication, quiet strength, and unwavering kindness. He passed away peacefully on October 22, 2024, in Centralia, Washington, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and adventure that touched everyone who knew him.

Jim was the little brother of Bill and the proud big brother to Pam and Dave. Growing up in the small town of Arcadia, Jim worked on the family farm and assisted his parents with a variety of tasks, learning the value of hard work, perseverance, and responsibility from a young age. You could take the boy out of Arcadia, but never Arcadia out of the boy. Jim cherished his hometown and carried the values he learned there—dedication, commitment to his community, and a strong work ethic—throughout his life. His childhood friendships ran deep, with many of his friends remaining close for life, a testament to the lasting bonds they formed. Happy memories of days spent with his cousins and relatives enriched his youth and stayed with him always, creating a foundation of love, laughter, and community that he would cherish and pass on to future generations.

Jim’s high school years were filled with tales of his adventures but also marked by extraordinary achievements on the football field, an enduring source of pride that remained close to his heart. In 2006, his high school football team was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame for their remarkable accomplishments. Jim’s 1956 and 1957 teams went unbeaten and were famously *unscored upon* for two consecutive seasons—a feat nearly unparalleled in high school sports. These back-to-back undefeated and unscored-upon seasons stand as a legacy of Nebraska’s high school sports history, a distinction Jim cherished after learning about his class’s induction into the Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

After high school, Jim attended the University of Nebraska, where he served as a student trainer with the Cornhuskers football team, proudly traveling with them to away games in Minnesota and Oklahoma. Following college, he embarked on some unforgettable adventures with his closest friends. In the spring of 1962, they visited the French Quarter in New Orleans, and that fall, they took a two-week road trip during which Jim saw the ocean

for the first time. The highlight of this journey was attending the 1962 World’s Fair in Seattle, Washington—a milestone he lovingly shared with family and friends for years.

Not long after, Jim answered the call to serve, enlisting in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1969. He spent 29 months in Japan, primarily stationed aboard the USS San Joaquin County, with extended time in Iwakuni and Okinawa. His days in Hiroshima held special meaning for him, and he considered himself lucky to travel aboard the Super Express Train to Tokyo, where he attended the 1964 Summer Olympics. Watching the track events and experiencing the world’s largest city was an experience he cherished.

In 1977, Jim moved to Washington, where he enjoyed exploring the Pacific coastline for many years. However, his true passion lay in the mountains. While he traveled throughout Canada and the Western United States, you would find him most often spending time near Mt. Adams by his favorite spot, Muddy Meadows. Fishing trips with his brother Dave, his son William, and his nephews on the Columbia River or the Pacific Ocean created lasting memories, but Jim’s heart was always in the mountains near Mt. Adams. He was happy to have spent thousands of hours there, hiking and camping with many friends and family members, always up for a mountain adventure.

Jim’s career reflected his commitment to serving others. He worked for the State of Nebraska’s Department of Revenue before moving to Lewis County, Washington, where he served as Chief Deputy Treasurer for many years. He later transitioned into real estate and mortgage lending, working alongside his son, where his integrity and genuine care for his clients shone brightly.

In 2005, one of the highlights of his year was traveling with his son William and grandson Alex to San Francisco, California, to celebrate his daughter Michelle’s graduation from the UCSF School of Pharmacy. It was there he purchased his most expensive Coca-Cola ever, as the zoo they visited only had Pepsi—a memory he chuckled about for years.

After retirement, Jim continued to embrace adventure, traveling extensively throughout North and Central America, with many memorable trips to Mexico with family and dear friends. One of his favorite journeys was to Alaska, where he marveled at hundreds of bald

eagles—a sight he frequently reminisced about. No matter the destination, Ann was always by his side, and together they shared a bond that ensured they would be there to catch each other’s falls.

Jim’s love for his family, especially his grandchildren, was profound. He delighted in leading them on countless outdoor adventures, guiding them along streams to fish or foraging together for mushrooms, and showing them how to find beauty in the smallest details of nature. His gentle hand in theirs, he would pause to point out a bird or a flower, teaching them to appreciate the world around them with the same sense of wonder he carried throughout his life.

Jim’s spirit of camaraderie and humor was equally reflected in his passion for cribbage, where he was a nationally ranked player for many years. Known for his sharp strategy and warm laughter, he brought joy and connection to every game. His devotion to the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team remained a constant, a treasured link to his roots and a passion he carried everywhere he went.

Jim leaves behind a loving family who will continue to carry forward his legacy. He is deeply missed by his daughter, Michelle Brubaker of Phoenix, Arizona; his son, William Tuning of Boise, Idaho; four stepchildren; six cherished grandchildren; his brother, David Tuning of Spokane, Washington; his sister, Pam Henke (Dale) of Syracuse, Nebraska; and his beloved traveling companion, Ann. Jim is also fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Helen Tuning, and his brothers, Dennis, Robert, and William.

Jim’s life was a testament to kindness, strength, and the enduring love of family. His wisdom, warmth, and generosity will live on in the countless memories he gave to all who knew him. Rest in peace, Jim—you will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and eternally loved.

In honoring Jim's wishes, the family will not hold public services. He will be interred at a private family event. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Legion in Jim's name.