James Edward Loso

James Edward Loso, age 75, retired Captain of the Seattle Fire Department, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Sunday, March 13, 2016, in Kirkland, WA after an unexpected, brief illness.

Jim, the eldest of five children, was born to Charles and Georgia Loso on October 11, 1940, in Galesburg, IL. He lived primarily in the Galesburg/Knoxville area, until moving to Orion, IL where he attended Orion High School and met the love of his life, Karen McNeil. The couple married in 1957, and began their life together in Orion, where Jim worked as an auto mechanic. Always looking for better opportunities, Jim held a variety of jobs; including bowling alley pin setter, farm hand, pinball & jukebox repair, gas station attendant, factory worker, as well as auto-body and repair. In 1964, a friend called and said there was work in Seattle with good pay. So, Jim and his family loaded up a little U Haul trailer and pulled it with their Edsel to Seattle. Jim then found a good paying job at Westside Ford as an auto mechanic, where he spent four years.

It was at that time he decided to try out for the Seattle Fire Department. Jim passed all of his entry tests with “flying colors” and graduated number one in his class, entering the Seattle Fire Department on April 1, 1968. Jim was very well liked and highly respected by his fellow firefighters as he worked his way up through the ranks from firefighter to Lieutenant to Captain. He often acted as an Operations’ Division Battalion Chief. Following an on-duty back injury, he worked at headquarters in charge of the Services Division where he directed maintenance as well as specification and procurement of fire apparatus and equipment as well as fire station improvements and numerous responsibilities. One of Jim’s many responsibilities in the fire department was to train other firefighters to drive the fire trucks. When not working at his desk, he traveled back east to inspect and then drive the new fire trucks he’d ordered back to Seattle. Jim retired from Ladder 12 in 1995, having served 27 years with the Seattle Fire Department.

During his years at the fire department, Jim maintained a passion for dirt bike riding, both competitive and recreational. Throughout the years, Jim participated in many types of competitions; desert, trials, enduro, and motocross accumulating over 300 awards. He also greatly enjoyed spending time riding with his fellow dirt bike riders in Death Valley and through the red rocks of Moab, Utah, as well as (instigating) many other great & varied adventures with his fellow riders.

Following his retirement, Jim embarked on yet another adventure….homebuilding. With the help of numerous family and friends, Jim created the beautiful home both he and Karen had dreamed of on the banks of the Yakima River in Cle Elum, where they built many wonderful memories with family and friends.

Jim will be remembered for his quick wit & sense of humor, his passion for adventure and his vast knowledge. Jim was a true warrior who battled the odds and always lived his life to the fullest. His caring and compassionate personality drew others to him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Charles & Georgia Loso, a son, Derik Loso & 2 sisters, Gloria Anderson & Connie Loso. He leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Karen of Cle Elum, 2 sons, Kevin (Sheryl) Loso, of Snohomish and Matthew (Kim) Loso of Kirkland, a brother, Ray Loso of Arlington & a sister, Bonnie (Ed) Wilson of New York. Jim is also survived by his 5 grandchildren, Jamie (Loso) Jamerson & Brian Loso; Dustin Loso; Matteo & Kate Loso; 2 great granddaughters, Isla & Parker Jamerson, as well as sisters-in-law & brothers-in-law, Mary Loso; Pat Trego; Sandy & Darrell Taets; Mike & Denise McNeil and Dee & Dan Sullivan, as well as numerous nieces & nephews.

Jim, I will love you for the rest of my life. May the sage scented desert breeze be at your back, and the forest trails open up for you on your way to heaven.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2016, at 11:00 A.M. at Columbia Winery, 14030 N.E. 145th St., Woodinville, WA 98072. Donations may be made to Northwest Motorcycle Association, P.O. Box 1108, Monroe, WA. 98272 or go to nmaoffroad.org.