James Anthony Ries, Jr.

Jim was born on December 19th, 1952 in Seattle Washington to Jim and Peggy Ries. When he was 3 years old his family moved to Shoreline. Jim was always an athlete who loved playing and watching sports. In high school he played basketball and tennis. Jim was in the Navy for 2 years active duty and Naval reserves for an additional 4 years. After the Navy, Jim decided to pursue his education first attending Shoreline Community College and then the University of Washington. He graduated in 1979 and began working at Boeing. He married Sue in September 1982. They have two children, Briana and Brendan. Jim continued playing basketball, softball and tennis for many years on all sorts of teams. He continued his love of sports coaching his children and many of their friends in baseball and basketball. Jim loved Husky Football and was a member of the East End Tequila Club for many years. In 1999 Jim bought a Harley. It was his pride and joy. He attended several HOG rally and loved cruising around Puget Sound. Jim always loved rock and roll. He would tell everyone that his parents wouldnt let him watch the Beatles on Ed Sullivan in 1964 to which he is still not happy about. If ACDC Live at Donington was playing VERY loudly, you would know that Jim was cleaning house. It was his official cleaning DVD. When Briana and Brendan were older and coaching days had passed, Jim and Sue enjoyed riding bikes, hiking and running races. Jim ran multiple 5 and 10Ks. He also ran two half marathon, the second one in 2013 finishing in under 2 and 1/2 hours. In 2010, Briana married Paul. Jim was very happy with Brianas choice as Paul loved family and sports. Briana and Paul have two children that Jim enjoying watching two days a week. He loved being a grandpa. Jim was originally diagnosed with melanoma in 2008. The initial mole was removed and he had treatment for one year after. In March 2014, their fears were realized and Jim was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma. After 3 different bio-immune therapy drugs, the tumors were still growing and spreading. In April, all treatment options had been exhausted and Jim began hospice care in May. Jim and Sue were fortunate to have many dear family and friends stop by for short visits. On July 12th, Jim passed at home with family at his side. Jim is survived by his mother, his brother, Tom and sister, Susan, his wife of 32 years, daughter Briana (Paul) and son Brendan, and two wonderful grandchildren, Zoey and Matthew. Jim and Sue ask that you consider a donation to Fred Hutch to help find new treatments for melanoma.