Orlane James Blikre died on March 11, 2022 in an Edmonds WA hospital from multiple medical conditions. He was born May 3, 1932 to Norien and Berta Blikre on his grandparent McCormick’s farm in Tioga Township, North Dakota with his grandmother as the midwife. At the age of five his family moved into Tioga. At the age of ten his family moved to Centralia, Washington where he received his education. After graduation from high school, he served with the U.S. Army Signal Corps in Germany and France. After discharge he lived in Tioga where he became an auto mechanic at the local Ford garage.

On June 27, 1958 he married June Pepper, daughter of Simon and Mamie Pepper of Ray, N.D. They and their four children lived in Tioga, N.D. and in 1968 moved to Washington State. Jim worked at the Ford dealership in Kirkland and worked in the automotive industry for 62 years before retiring in 2015. He enjoyed automobile shows, swing band concerts and walking.

He is survived by his wife June of 64 years, 4 children, Tami (Tony) Arredondo, Thomas (Lori), Teresa, Anthony (Wendy). And grandchildren Jessica and Sarah (Tia), and great-grandchild Marshall. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Jean Spangrud of Nebraska.