James Edward Curtis

Jim was born on August 15, 1931, in Oroville, Washington. He grew up working alongside his family on their dairy

farm and orchard, developing a lifelong work ethic and deep appreciation for rural life. After attending Washington

State College for one year, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served for four years. During his

service, he spent two and a half years stationed in Japan and worked as a radioman aboard an Admiral's plane,

traveling extensively throughout the Pacific. He always boasted and was proud that during his Navy career, he never

set foot on a ship.

Following his military service, Jim pursued higher education at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis

Obispo, California, graduating in 1960 with a degree in Industrial Engineering. During his time there, he was honored

as one of Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges (1959-1960). He also led a crew of

fellow engineering students in fencing the original Varian Arabian Ranch for Sheila Varian-an experience that helped

spark a lifelong passion for Arabian horses.

Jim began his professional career working on the Minuteman Missile site in Moses Lake, Washington, while

continuing to support the family cattle ranch alongside his parents and brothers. In June of 1962, he married the love

of his life, Liz. The couple moved to Richland, Washington, in September of that year, where they built a life centered

on family, career, and shared passions.

Jim's distinguished 32-year career at the Hanford Site included work at the historic B Reactor and the Fast Flux Test

Facility (FFTF). He later served as a project manager overseeing major infrastructure systems, including roads, fire

services, and the electrical grid. Jim concluded his career working on the LIGO Project, where he was notably the only

Hanford engineer hired by Cal Tech.

In 1966, Jim and Liz founded Curtis Arabians in West Richland, Washington. Inspired by their early connection to

Sheila Varian and the acquisition of their first horses, Baykardee and Nafouska, they spent over 50 years breeding and

raising Arabian horses. Jim was deeply involved in both local and state Arabian horse organizations and was well

respected within the community for his knowledge, dedication, and enthusiasm.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Liz; his daughter, Bobbi Prescott, and son-in-law, Herk Prescott; his

granddaughter, Kaylynn Prescott; and his brother, Dick Curtis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and

Lois Curtis; his sister, Jeri Piper; and his brothers, Bill and Larry.

A celebration of life will be held on May 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Central United Protestant Church, 1124 Stevens Drive,

Richland, Washington, 99354.

Jim will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his remarkable career, and his lifelong passion for horses. His

legacy of hard work, integrity, and quiet strength will live on in all who knew him.