James Carl Marchel Jr., 44, died unexpectedly on Jan. 31, 2011, in Stockton, Calif. He passed away peacefully in his sleep.

James was born on April 15, 1966 in Quantico, Va. He was the eldest son of Luana and James Sr. He moved to California, where he attended Columbia College, worked in boatyards and learned mill and cabinetry.

In 2001, Jim relocated to Washington state and worked in the hospitality industry as a hotel maintenance and repair specialist. He was a skilled woodworker, all around handyman, and an artist, who enjoyed sharing with others a natural talent for drawing and illustrating.

Jim leaves behind loved ones who will miss him deeply, including a daughter, Nicole Hoffman; Sabrina Holmes, his longtime partner; and five siblings.

He will be missed by friends and co-workers who came to know him since making his home on Whidbey Island in 2009.