James Arthur deSmet

James (Jim) deSmet was born in Chicago, IL to Louis and Hazel deSmet on 06/03/1941, the youngest of four children. He attended St. Ignatius Elementary, Loyola Academy (where his love of football began) and Xavier University. In April 1965 he married his wife Ann (Lahr). They had three children, Maureen, Cathleen and David. He worked in supervision and management for three Chicago-based companies.

In 1970 the family moved to North Bend, OR. Jim resumed his education earning a B.S. in Speech/Language Pathology and an M.S. in Family Counseling and Psychotherapy from the University of Oregon. He worked as a Speech Pathologist for Coos County E.S.D. and developed his counseling practice, Omega Consultants. He earned an Ed.D. in Early and Middle Childhood Education from Nova University. Interests he pursued in addition to family and work were hiking, river rafting, racquetball, training in Psychodrama and flying an airplane. With Ann, he began and continued his study of A Course in Miracles.

In 1990 Jim and Ann moved to Seattle, WA. They settled in Bothell where they have lived for 33 years. Jim continued his counseling with Omega Consultants and Volunteers of America. Due to mental/physical health issues and severe hearing loss, Jim retired on disability in 2002. In addition to family activities, he pursued Cross Fit, wood working, bonsai, growing mushrooms and a long list of family pets. He was an avid reader and fan of the Seahawks and UW Huskies.

Jim is survived by his wife, Ann; his children Maureen, Cathleen and David; six grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom will treasure his life, love and sense of humor.

Donations to honor Jim may be made to woundedwarriorsproject.org or evergreenhealthfoundation.com.