James Henry Sikkema passed away peacefully in his home on January 23, 2023, after a short battle with cancer. His wife, Mary Felton Sikkema, daughter, Anna Sikkema, and dog, Nelson were by his side. He is survived by his sister, Mary Ann ( Vic Potter ) and sister-in-law, JoAnn Felton. He is, also survived by his nieces, Beth (Michael McKelvey), Laura (Dan Condylis), and nephews, Scott (Shell) Felton, Rob (Amy) Felton, and Allen Potter and numerous grand nieces and nephews.

Jim, as he was known by family and friends , was born November 9, 1947, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Betty and Henry Sikkema. He attended school there from his kindergarten through junior college years, venturing on to Michigan State University as a junior. After graduating in 1969 with majors in English (writing) and Education, he remained in Michigan teaching and playing as much music as possible with friends and fellow musicians. In 1979 he went out west with his dog, Zelda, to visit. He fell in love with the area and stayed.

He lived in Seattle for a time, then got a teaching job at Secret Harbor on Cypress Island bringing him to the Anacortes area. He couldn't believe that he'd found such a beautiful place to live and work. He met his wife, Mary, and they were married June 26, 1981.  He then taught at the Skagit Alternative School, followed by substituting in the Anacortes Schools.  He was, eventually, hired to teach in the Learning Opportunity Center (which later became Cap Santa High School).  He remained in this position until retirement in 2010.  He enjoyed hearing from and seeing former students, learning of their progress.

Jim and Mary adopted their beautiful daughter, Anna, in 1986.  He adored her from the first time he got to hold her when she came off the plane from Korea.  Much of their life centered around family activities after that. They got a sailboat on which they spent a good share of each summer, as sailing was a passion of his. The family explored islands from Anacortes to Desolation Sound. He, also, shared with his family his love of building models, camping, hiking, gardening , literature, music, and dogs.

These interests were carried into his retirement. Jim and Mary traded in the sailboat for a motorhome, taking them on many adventures around the country. Jim's life-long appreciation for all genres of music led him to be a skilled and talented player on guitar, piano , slide (pedal ) guitar, and banjo with mandolin and fiddle being added after retirement. He continued model airplane and boat building, challenging himself a little more with each new one.  He made it a goal to be a lifelong learner.

Jim's legacy will live on in the hearts and lives of his family, friends, and students. He will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held March 24 at 1:00 PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Anacortes Family Center.

To share memories of James, please visit www.evanschapel.com/obituary/james-sikkema.