Jim Guenther was born yearning for better things for himself, his family, and everybody else. 

He once said he was the wrong son to a good dad, growing up on a rural Nebraska farm where he could not stop asking why.

Jim left the farm at 16 to find answers. His curiosity and ability got him a football scholarship as well as entrance into all of America’s top military academies. His poor vision kept him out of the academies. But his Air Force experience and the GI bill opened the door to college, a Masters degree, debate, Young Democrats and a lifetime passion for serving others.

Jim did not just want to serve, but to accomplish things no one else had mustered. Over six decades, he did it again and again. 

He was the youngest director of the Washington State Research Council, a nonpartisan part of the Legislature that wrote groundbreaking legislation, from shoreline management to the Washington Wildlife and Recreation program which still supports thousands of park and partnership efforts. He helped guide the state’s fastest growing county as Clark County Executive during a time of rapid growth. He brought both innovation and accountability to the King County Public Works Department as its director, including the internationally acclaimed Earthworks program. He guided strategy and growth at WSDOT, and the ferry system. 

He never really retired, travelling the world as a USDA expert on federal issues.

He loved West Seattle, birthplace of his wife, Sandy Adams, and his home for 40 years. He headed the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, with forward-thinking programs and campaigns like, “Got a Dream? Grow it Here.” He helped ArtsWest grow from a local theater into a financially accountable, nationally recognized powerhouse. He mentored young people through Southwest Youth & Families.

And he bent the ear of elected officials frequently. Greg Nickels commented recently, “How can Jim Guenther be gone?” 

Jim opened a letter from Dow Constantine the day he died hoping for his quick recovery, and he felt honored.  

Jim’s will seemed like it might outrun mortality.

Yearning for better was Jim’s career, and his life. Every moment. His garden is legend, squeezing a farm’s worth of specimen trees, flowers, and food crops into a double plot that ends at a gulley. A gulley he and his wife and neighbors restored. He arranged flowers, cultivated dahlias, smoked salmon, and listened to his children and grandchildren. Maybe that was his greatest investment of time. Because it helped create energetic minds also intent on making something better.

Jim is preceded in death by his first wife, Sheila (1933-2015), and second wife, Sandy (1938-2022). He is survived by his children, Kurt (Deb), Kelly (Katie), and Gayla. His grandchildren are Kate, Jamie, Marceline, Chase, and Dakota.

He requested an Irish wake where his friends can enjoy his liquor, his home, and each other. The wake is at 4 pm on Saturday, March 11 at Pelly Place. Friends needing directions can text 206/818-0871. Please include your name.

Donations can be made to ArtsWest Playhouse.