Peter James, 58

It is with the heaviest of hearts and fundamental grief that we announce the unexpected passing of Peter Joseph James, on March 26, 2025, at the age of 58, a man whose charm and charisma touched everyone around him. Born in Tacoma on May 5, 1966, the seventh child of Carol and Joe James, Pete spent the majority of his life in Gig Harbor. He graduated from Bellarmine Prep in 1984 and WSU in 1990.

Pete was bigger than life and filled the room. He loved God and saw Him everywhere. He adored his family, was a passionate patriot and an unrivaled Cougar fan. His friends meant everything to him. He was literally everyone’s best friend. He loved all sports, coached and could quote statistics any time. He was vice-president of the Gig Harbor Pickleball Club. He loved fishing, the water and thought like a fish, particularly whales.

Peter was a successful Pierce County Mortgage Broker for 33 years. His dedication and commitment brought him many state board positions and won him many production awards. Pete’s desire to encourage others to find “purpose” and pay it forward with positivity became the springboard to becoming a motivational speaker with his new endeavor, “Elevate with PJ.” His impact on the lives of his clients was profound, and he will be fondly remembered for his remarkable professionalism and human touch.

Peter is survived by his loving children Nick (Syd), Jake (Kylie), Jessie, and Nate James, as well as grandchildren Sky and Scottie Jo, his loving life partner Kori Shaffer, his mother Carol James, his siblings Susan (Dan), Peggy (Dan), Teresa (Bryan) and brothers Patrick and Michael (Jeni). He was preceded in death by his father, Joe James and his sister, Kellie Jo, who undoubtedly welcome him with open arms on the other side.

Pete’s funeral Mass will be Wednesday, April 16, at 11 a.m., St. Charles Catholic Church, 7112 South 12th. You are invited to share memories at his Celebration of Life following Mass at 1 p.m. at Foss Waterway Seaport, 705 Dock St., Tacoma. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Pete’s name to Cougar Collective or Violet Sees.

Your contributions will serve as a tribute to the extraordinary man he was and the impact he had on all of our lives.