James Carignan

James Carignan, 72, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2021 with his wife, Sandie, and two sons, Jon and Tommy, by his side.

Jim was born to Maurice and Louise Carignan in 1949 in New Hampshire, before moving to Washington State, where his older sister Nancy and her husband Bob currently reside. 

Jim graduated from Renton High School in 1967 and later from the University of Washington with a degree in Economics.  He met his future wife, Sandie, in the Spring of 1969 at a fraternity street dance.  They married in 1971.  Jim joined the Air Force Reserves while in college.  Jim began a career in the airline industry with Continental Airlines and they enjoyed traveling.  Jim later worked for Horizon Airlines and United Airlines, retiring in 2015 in Idaho.  Their life was blessed with 2 wonderful sons.  Jim coached both boys in Little League and was their best fan all through high school.  Following the college graduation of their children, Jim and Sandie moved to Idaho, and then recently relocated to Texas.

Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren, playing golf and watching sports teams from the Pacific Northwest, and playing games such as “pool noodle tag” with his grandsons.  He even attended a Seattle Mariners game in Texas for his 72nd birthday.  Jim was a huge fan of music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, and was always unbelievably quick with recalling the names and artists of songs playing on the radio.  He also enjoyed sharing his knowledge of home repair, often pitching in a hand whenever he could.

As a family, they enjoyed many driving vacations to Central Oregon with two of his fraternity brothers and their families, as well as family vacations to Disneyland, Canada and Hawaii.

Jim had a love for automobiles and car races, which prompted the ownership of many varieties of vehicles of all shapes and sizes throughout his life.  He also enjoyed driving one of his sports cars on a race track in the Northwest in a club event.   They traveled to several Formula One racing events and had the opportunity to attend the Marlboro Racing School in Florida with his son Jon.

Despite a five year-long battle with Parkinson’s Disease and a recent cancer diagnosis, Jim always maintained a sense of humor and positive outlook on life.  He was a strong Christian believer and was involved in his church’s Bible Studies, Bible Study Fellowship and had attended several Promise Keeper events.  He was an incredible husband, father, friend, and role model.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests considering a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.  The Foundation does offer an option to “Donate in Tribute” if you prefer to honor/remember Jim specifically with your donation.

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