James Arthur Fox of Port Angeles, Washington, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2021 surrounded by family and friends. Jim, as he was called, was born in Port Angeles, Washington on October 18, 1942. He and his sister Marcé were the children of Bob and Gladys Fox. A 1960 graduate of Port Angeles High School, Jim matriculated at the University of Oregon where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science in 1964.  That same year, he married his high school and college sweetheart and love of his life, Helen Veronica O'Neill. They soon welcomed their first son Derrick as Jim went off to law school at Gonzaga. Proving too far from home, Jim returned to Port Angeles where he and Helen added son Troy to complete their family.

Before he retired, Jim was a Juvenile Court Counselor for the Clallam County Juvenile Court.  He and his wife Helen were active in the Port Angeles community where they were avid supporters of the Boys & Girls Club, and the Olympic Medical Foundation (Festival of Trees, Duck Derby).

Jim was a huge sports enthusiast and an amazing athlete – he was a runner before running was in style, a basketball player, and a weight-lifter.  And there was no bigger or more loyal Ducks fan than Jim Fox.  He'll be watching his Ducks from above and making sure it never rains in Autzen Stadium!  When the Ducks were idle, he would be cheering on his Mariners and Seahawks.

Jim cherished all sunny days, regardless of location, but his favorite place was their Lake Sutherland home just outside Port Angeles or any vacation spot where it wasn't raining.  Always known as the life of the party, he loved a good gin and tonic and will be remembered for his boisterous laugh, love of a good tan, and sharing stories with friends.

Jim was diagnosed with a neurological disease while in his 30's.  As the disease started to ravage his body and he could no longer run, he turned to weight lifting and bicycling to keep in shape.  Never bitter or depressed as the disease progressed and confined him to a wheelchair, he was determined to live life to the fullest and always made the best of his situation.  Jim and Helen traveled extensively even after Jim was confined to a wheelchair.  And as loyal Duck alumni, they also followed their alma mater to bowl games and home football games.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Helen; his sons Derrick and Troy; two daughters-in-law, Alison Fox and Shawnette Fox; five grandchildren: Drew, Jake, Garrett, Robin, and Kiera; sister Marcé (Fox) Brennan and her husband Terry; nephew Kyle and his family (wife Beth and sons Patrick, Mac, and Murphy); brother-in-law Jack O'Neill; sister-in-law Peg O'Neill Sorensen (husband Duane); nephew Dan Sorensen; niece Eileen Sorensen Bartko; great nephew AJ Bartko and great nieces Danielle Bartko and Josey Brennan. He was preceded in death by niece Katy Hooper (Brennan).

Jim was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be missed by all. The family would like to extend a special thank you to their wonderful neighbors and friends in town and at the lake for their outstanding and unwavering support.  A special thank you to Olympic Medical Center Home Health for their compassionate care as well as Volunteer Hospice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Bella Italia restaurant, 118 E 1st St, Port Angeles, Saturday, Aug. 21 from noon to 3 p.m.

Jim, who was 78, passed away August 8th, 2021. All who knew Jim are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County at 829 E. 8th Street, Port Angeles, WA. 98362; The Boys & Girls Club of the Olympic Peninsula at 2620 S. Francis St., Port Angeles, WA. 98362; or the charity of your choice.

Drennan & Ford Funeral Home in Port Angeles is entrusted with his arrangements. Please sign the online guestbook for his family at www.drennanford.com .