SNOHOMISH — James Rathbone was a character with real character.
A friend to all and a devoted family man, he also had a mischievous streak that followed him from his boyhood years in North Carolina.
“My dad was just a cool guy, he could make friends with anybody,” Dave Rathbone said. “Nephews and grandchildren loved his sense of humor and adventurousness. He’d take them camping up in the mountains all the time. He was a good people person that imparted a lot of wisdom.”
Born in 1927, James Rathbone grew up in the mountains of North Carolina as a true-blue Tarheel. When he turned 18, in 1945, he was drafted into the Army, shipping out to Germany with the 6th Constabulary Squadron, Troop C.
“He loved being in the Army and was proud of his service. He had some great stories about Germany,” Dave Rathbone said.
It was during the occupation that James Rathbone would transport German officers to trial or stand guard over piles of weapons collected from German forces.
It would also be the first time he ever ate a doughnut.
“Dad always told this funny story about how he got a Red Cross package that had this cake doughnut in it,” Dave Rathbone said. “He was just amazed. He said it was the best thing he had ever tasted.”
James Rathbone left Germany and the Army, returning to North Carolina before setting out to the Pacific Northwest.
“It was a popular thing back then for Tarheels to move to Washington,” Dave Rathbone said. “So many people moved from Plot Creek to Arlington in 1952, a lot of the kids he grew up with.”
Once settled in with his wife and daughter, James Rathbone went to work in the timber industry. He would later go to work for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. He retired in 1989.
Retirement, according to Dave Rathbone, was a subjective term for his father.
“He was constantly busy, constantly working. So when he retired at 62 he was busier than any time I had seen him in his life,” he said.
James Rathbone also was known for his skills in giving old vehicles and engines a second lease on life.
“He was always interested in machinery, anything that would run or go,” Dave Rathbone said. “He found a 1944 World War II jeep and restored it. He got to be so good at restoring these jeeps he ran out of room and gave one to me with his old serial number on the hood.”
James Rathbone had also found a 1909 Orr and Simbower steam engine that had been abandoned outside of an old mine. He took an interest and over the next few years would visit the machine and with the help of family, backpacking pieces out until they were all in his workshop.
“To anyone else it looked like it wasn’t worth anything, but he fixed it and restored it to it’s original condition,” Dave Rathbone said. “He was an active man who loved life.”
James Rathbone died July 2 and was given fully military burial honors. He was 81.
He is survived by five children, Evelyn Himple of Snohomish; Kathryn Welborn of Stanwood; David Rathbone of Bow; Dan Rathbone of Snohomish; and Willie Rathbone of Everett. He had 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson.
He is preceded in death by his son, Steve.
Reporter Justin Arnold: 425-339-3432 or jarnold@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
