James MacMillan Piper, 86
James MacMillan Piper died Nov. 18 with his family by his side. He was 86.
Jim was born March 9, 1923, in Spokane. He moved to Seattle and finished his senior year at Broadway High School. He was a soldier in the 84th Infantry and served in World War II, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, Jim attended the University of Washington and graduated with a degree in zoology.
After college, Jim worked for various companies in the transportation and equipment industries. He developed relationships with the major railroads by salvaging cargo from rail derailments, which led him to founding MacMillan-Piper in 1969. He built the company into the largest transloader and container freight station in the Pacific Northwest; it is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in global trade.
On his daily trips to work from Bainbridge to Seattle, Jim noticed the homeless that were present on the Seattle streets and decided to help. He got support from Grace Episcopal Church on Bainbridge, and Jim and a small group began handing out sack lunches to the homeless. His efforts grew into other donations and the “Streets of Seattle” program continues today.
Jim and his wife, Zona, made their home on Bainbridge Island, as well as their most recent residence at Aljoya on Mercer Island. Together, Jim and Zona were founding members of Grace Episcopal Church on Bainbridge. Over the years, Jim made many lasting friendships playing golf at Wing Point Golf and Country Club.
Jim was a man of many gifts. It gave him great pleasure to quietly do things for others. He made friends easily and his choice to treat all people with dignity and respect brought out the best in everyone he met. He had a terrific sense of humor and perfected the fine art of “pulling your leg.” Jim had a love and appreciation for music.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Zona, their seven children, son Jim Piper and wife Suzie; daughter Mary and husband Steve Diederichs; daughter Sue and husband Dave Lindsey; daughter Janet and husband Tim Jorve; son J.T. Kearney and wife Tam-me Bosler; son Jack Piper and wife Jinks; and daughter Patty and husband Steve Stivala; and 14 grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 5 at Grace Episcopal Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Bainbridge Island Fire Dept., 8895 Madison Ave. NE Bainbridge Island, WA 98110; or Grace Episcopal Church, 8595 NE Day Road, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110; or Operation Nightwatch, P.O. Box 21181, Seattle, WA 98111.
