James Eldon Starkel

February 1, 1923 - November 19, 2017

James (Jim) Eldon Starkel was born in Tacoma, WA on February 1, 1923 and passed away in Gig Harbor on November 19th, 2017. He served his country heroically as a Navy Pilot in WWII and retired as a Commander from the Navy Reserves. He married the love of his life, Lorna Marie (Hatfield) Starkel, on February 10th, 1945. They enjoyed their 59 years together raising their two sons, traveling, designing and building their family home in Southworth, participating in many car clubs, camping with the Rambling Eagles RV Club, and “snow birding” at their second home in Yuma, AZ. They especially enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren at their home in Southworth, and camping at Rimrock Meadows. Jim had many talents, some of which included, being a journeyman carpenter, a teamster, a pilot for Simpson Timber Company, Trans International, and Boeing. He found great joy in collecting and working on various vehicles, especially classic Chevy’s. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Lorna and his son Richard Starkel. He is survived by his son Roger Starkel; grandchildren, Nick (Arin) Starkel, Neil (Cory) Starkel, Jenine (Jef) Monaghan, Kayla Starkel (Cody Schaef); one great granddaughter, Olivia; and ten great grandsons, Evan, Colby, Ryan, Collin, Connor, Brennan, James, Tristan, John, and Ronan.