James Leland Hulbert

James Leland Hulbert died suddenly on Feb. 1, 2006 at the age of 48 in Coupeville.

He was born Dec. 26, 1957 in Midland, Mich. to Leland James and Mary Lee (McClellan) Hulbert.

Jim was raised in Sanford, Mich. He attended school in Coleman, graduating from high school with the Class of 1976. Music has always been a very important part of his life and during high school, Jim played in a rock and roll band.

Jim was married to Mary Karen Hernden in Midland on May 23, 1980. In 1981, they moved to Montana. Jim received his bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in business in 1991 from Montana State University.

In 1992, Jim and his family moved to Billings, where he began his career as an account manger with Coca-Cola Enterprises. In 1999, he was transferred to Bothell, working in King and Snohomish counties for Coca-Cola Enterprises. He and Mary moved to Coupeville in April 2005.

Jim was a man of many passions, including music and his guitar. He also enjoyed oil painting, fly fishing, snorkeling, travel, gardening, the out-of-doors and whale watching. He and Mary also enjoyed fine wines and visiting wineries.

Jim is survived by his wife Mary at the family home; by two children, Jason Hulbert of Carbondale, Colo. and Annie Hulbert of Kenmore, Wash.; his mother Mary Hulbert of Midland; and two brothers Brian Hulbert of Auburn, Mich. and Michael Hulbert of Coleman. He was preceded in death by his father Leland and brother Patrick Hulbert. Numerous brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nephews and nieces also survive.

Funeral services for James Hulbert were held on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at Burley Funeral Chapel. Cremation followed with private family inurnment at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.