Jim Sofie of Fish Lake, WA passed away on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 in Wenatchee after a long battle with cancer. Jim was born August 29, 1933 to James and Winifred Sofie in Everett, WA. He was the oldest of eight children and grew up on the Sofie family farm, where dairy cattle and various crops were raised. Prior to graduating from Monroe High School in 1951, Jim was selected to the all-conference football team in 1950. After graduation he joined the US Navy and was stationed in San Francisco. He married Faye Reule in 1955 and had three children, settling in Monroe. Jim worked for Burlington Northern Railroad for 46 years, working up to the position of Yard Master before retiring in 1995. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Faye, and daughter Jan. Surviving him are his children Kim Love and Mike Sofie; grandchildren Jamie Norman (Josh), Jennifer Nelson, Julie Brown, Jeremy Sofie, Katie Love, and Stephanie Love; brothers Tom (Nancy), Marshall, and Bill (Kathy); sisters Dolly Hunnicutt (Jim), Pam Coney (Darrel) and Wendy George; brother-in-law Ted Reule (Carol) as well as many nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, and friends. Jim will be remembered for his love of community. While in Monroe he was an active member of the Eagles Club. He and other friends chopped and delivered firewood to elderly community members on Thursdays during the winter months. Jim loved to fish with his son and grandson, as well as his many friends. He also enjoyed playing pool, golfing, jet skiing, and snowmobiling. He was a charter member of the Kahler Glen Golf Course at Lake Wenatchee. Jim moved to Fish Lake when he retired, where he was able to enjoy these activities year-around, frequently referring to it as "God's Country.GÇ¥ Beginning in 1991 Jim began organizing the annual New Year's Polar Bear Dip in Lake Wenatchee, where participants would swim in the lake and then enjoy a bowl of chili. You could find Jim swimming in Lake Wenatchee several days of the week, all year long. He was even featured on Evening Magazine! A celebration of life will be planned in the spring at Lake Wenatchee. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Monroe Historical Society, PO Box 1044, Monroe, WA 98272 or Lake Wenatchee Fire & Rescue, 21696 Lake Wenatchee Hwy, Leavenworth, WA 98826.
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