By Ken Robinson

A community was devastated by a horrific collision on Monday, December 30, as James St. Clair crossed at the intersection of SW Graham Street and 35th Avenue Southwest. Mr. St. Clair, 69 years old, had lived at High Point less than one month. His was the second fatality at this intersection. Susanne Scaringi, 27 years old, died on her bicycle here in September 2006.
On Saturday, January 18 at 1 p.m. in front of the High Point Branch Library, 3411 SW
Raymond Street, supporters walked one block south to the crash site to pay their respects to the family and friends of James St. Clair, and then walked another two blocks to Neighborhood House at 6400 Sylvan Way SW for juice and snacks and a brief discussion with City of Seattle officials about the tragedy and how to make safer streets for everyone in the High Point area.
Since 2006, there have been five fatalities as well as numerous serious injuries and near misses as children, adults and the elderly cross fast-moving 35th Avenue SW near High Point.
Susanne Scaringi, 27, was hit and killed at 35th and SW Graham in September 2006. Gregory Hampel, 39, was hit and killed near 35th and SW Dawson in August 2008. Oswald Clement, 85, was hit and killed at 35th and SW Othello in October 2007. A motorcycle rider died at 35th and SW Juneau in April 2011. James St. Clair, 69, was hit and killed at 35th and SW Graham in December 2013. James St. Clair, a member of the Tlingit people, was born in Hoonah, Alaska.
He lived in Seattle for over 30 years. His brother, Oscar Jacob St. Clair said that although James was disabled and walked with a cane, he was strong, independent, funny, and outgoing.
Oscar St. Clair said, “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for recognizing Jim. For seeing all people, even poor people. Our family, my brothers and sisters, are in sorrow. I pray a positive light will happen because of this. A lot of people need to walk in the evening. They want to go to the grocery store like Jim did on his last night. I hope in his memory we see brighter lights, a stoplight, a safer community.