James Alfred McNamara

Jim McNamara joined his wife Sally in heaven on January 5, 2025, at the age of 93, passing peacefully in his longtime Olympia home. Jim was born the youngest of seven in Yakima WA on June 24, 1931, to Edward and Anne McNamara. When they were very young, the family moved to Olympia. He grew up in Olympia attending St. Mikes school, graduating from Olympia High School in the great class of 1949 and then from St. Martin’s college.

After a brief time working for Boeing and then co-founding an office supply company, Jim and his wife Sally relocated back home to Olympia with their sons Kelly (Jennifer), Bryan (Christine), and Kevin.

Jim touched the lives of many people after he began a successful career as a Real Estate Agent in Olympia. He was one of the early agents with (Coldwell Banker) Evergreen Olympic Realty when they were founded in the late 1960’s. Jim was the most successful broker in town, even being honored as the Thurston County Realtor of the Year.

He was heavily involved in the community in many ways. In addition to serving with civic organizations like Rotary and Young Men’s Business Club, he was also a huge supporter of youth sports, helping establish the Thurston County Youth Football League. Perhaps his biggest passion was announcing home football and basketball games as “The Voice of the Bears” at Olympia High School for 37 years. He attended countless OHS athletic events of every sport as an enthusiastic supporter. There was no bigger Olympia High School or Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan than Jim McNamara!

Throughout the years, Jim and Sally enjoyed some grand adventures. After reaching “senior” status, they spent a week rafting down the Colorado River, and they toured Machu Picchu on their way to join an Antarctica adventure cruise.

After his wife Sally passed in 2004, after a period, Jim married Gay Gildy and came to appreciate the winters in Mesa Arizona as he embraced the Snowbird lifestyle. But he always returned to his beloved Olympia.

Jim will be missed for his loyal friendship, quick wit, charm and easy-going approach to life.

He leaves his wife Gay Gildy, his three sons, numerous grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.