James Allen Staub

James A. Staub, 80, passed away on October 25th, 2023, in his home in Vancouver, WA in the company of his loving wife. He was born in Somerset, PA on April 12th, 1943, to Karl and Margaret "Peggy" Staub. In his 80 years, Jim had a vast number of experiences. As a child, Jim loved to get up to shenanigans in his small town. Some of his favorite memories included sledding in the snow, playing high school football, and celebrating Christmas by making sand tart cookies. Jim grew up with his sister, Pat Rosania, and continued to have a strong relationship with her the rest of his life. Jim obtained a bachelor's degree in Sociology at West Virginia University then proceeded to serve in the Army as a First Lieutenant. It would be easier to list the jobs Jim hasn't had. His career highlights include being a salesman for Pepsi and Vice President of Marketing at Standard Bag Manufacturing. He was so good at his job, he got pulled back from retirement twice. His work took him to over 17 countries and across the United States. In his retirement, Jim continued to cook, spend time with his friends and family, and play with his dog Charlie. Jim met the love of his life, Alina, while working in Miami. He managed to charm her and gain the approval of her Cuban family. They always love to compare the beginning of their relationship to the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Jim and Alina were married on August 17th, 1985. They were married 38 years, and even in death their love continues to be palpable. Jim and Alina had a strong and loving relationship. He was her best friend and rock, and despite a 17-year age gap, he brought so much life, humor, and spunk into their relationship. They had a daughter, Melinda, whom he was very proud of and loved very much. They talked daily and he loved to boast about her and her fiancé's, Elijah, medical careers. There are no words to describe how heartbreaking it is that he will not be able to attend her graduation and wedding in May 2024. Jim was very excited to present his daughter at the wedding and although he has passed, you bet he will make sure his spirit will be present. Jim has two daughters from a previous marriage - Ingrid and Josie. He loved them deeply and couldn't be happier when he was able to spend time with them and his granddaughters Sophie, Gabby, and Caroline. Jim was also the "American Dad" to Connie Terpening. He and Alina took her in when she moved from China in 1994. For all intents and purposes, Jim considered Connie his daughter and her daughter, Alex, his granddaughter. Anyone who knew Jim will agree that he was profoundly kind. Jim was a friend to all and always took time to make sure those around him were taken care of. Jim was the hardest worker and had an abundance of strength. He persevered through almost a decade of heart issues and cancer. Jim had a close connection with God and was a man of faith his entire life. Although his death was unexpected, he spent his last days happy and would appreciate that it happened quickly. Jim took each day as a blessing, and we are blessed for each day we were able to spend with him. Jim was a truly good man and incredible father, husband, brother, and friend - he will be missed by all. We are deeply saddened by this profound loss. We will be holding memorial services at Lutheran churches in Vancouver, Boston, and Miami so that all loved ones have a chance to say goodbye. Please reach out with any updated contact information for more details to follow. We greatly appreciate everyone's support, kind words, and prayers during this difficult time. We implore you to honor Jim's memory by performing an act of kindness, taking a little extra time to talk to your loved ones, or indulging in a sweet treat.

James Allen Staub

April 12, 1943 - October 25, 2023