James Gregory Ross

1954-2026

James Gregory Ross, 69, of Forks, Washington, passed away on January 4, 2026, after his third courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born on September 18, 1956, in Anchorage, Alaska, to James and Shirley Ross. He was the second of five siblings and graduated from Ballard High School with the Class of 1974.

After working as a journeyman painter, Jim moved west to Forks, where his Aunt Mary and Uncle Jim Jacoby lived, to work in the timber industry. When the timber industry slowed, he began a career with the Washington Department of Corrections, where he faithfully served for 33 years before retiring.

In 1993, Jim purchased his beloved home on the Sol Duc River, a place he affectionately called “Shangri-La,” meaning paradise on earth. Along the riverbank below his home sits the well-known “Ross Fishing Hole,” where countless fishermen gather each season to cast their lines into the Sol Duc. Jim loved the outdoors and spent much of his life hunting, fishing, cutting firewood, and enjoying the peace of the river he loved so much.

Jim was also a lifelong and fiercely loyal sports fan. He faithfully cheered for the Mariners, Sonics, Seahawks, and Huskies through every season, good or bad. Even during his final days, sports remained one of his greatest comforts. On his final night, Jim listened as the Seahawks won the NFC West, and his family knew he was proud to hear the score.

Later in life, Jim developed a passion for wrestling after his eldest son, Willy, began wrestling in high school. His younger sons, Zane and Patrick, also wrestled. Though Jim had never wrestled himself, he became deeply involved in the sport and proudly coached youth wrestling with the Peninsula Wrestling Club for many years, positively impacting countless young athletes in the community.

Family meant everything to Jim. In the early 1980s, he reunited with Terri, and together they built a life and raised their family in Forks. Jim lovingly raised Willy as his own and later welcomed sons Zane and Patrick. Though Jim and Terri later divorced, they remained connected through the children and grandchildren they shared.

One of Jim’s greatest joys in life was being “Grandpa Jim.” He deeply loved his eight granddaughters and cherished every chance to support them, celebrate with them, and make memories together.

Jim is survived by his sons, William Johnson and wife Laci, Zane Ross and wife Ana, and Patrick Ross; his granddaughters Keira, Peyton, Bailey, Eliza, Leah, Sofia, Bronni, and Oakley; his sisters Patsy, Pam, and Lisa; his brother Scott; and many extended family members and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James “Big Jim” and Shirley Ross.

In his later years, Jim often said, “I’m blessed.” In his final days, he told his family and doctors that he had lived a great life and truly was blessed — words that reflected the gratitude and love he carried throughout his life.

Jim will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, loyalty, humor, love of the outdoors, devotion to family, and the countless memories he created with those who loved him, along with the memory of him always enjoying his own paradise on earth beside the Sol Duc River.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 6, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Forks Elks Lodge, 941 Merchants Road, Forks, WA 98331. Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Jim’s life and share memories together.