James R. Ekstrand

December 23, 1964 – May 6, 2015

Jim was born on December 23, 1964 in Palo Alto, CA to Judith and John Ekstrand. Jim grew up in Palo Alto, graduating from Palo Alto High School in 1983. Jim went to Whitman College for his undergraduate degree and earned master degrees in Electrical and Manufacturing Systems Engineering from San Francisco State University and Stanford University, respectively. Jim loved building electronics and started his own business while he was in high school designing specialized parts for laser applications. He kept his business, Current Technology, going for almost 30 years, including after a move to Bainbridge Island in 2002.

In addition, Jim loved exploring the California wilderness by bike, and by truck. He brought that love for the outdoors to the Northwest when he moved to Bainbridge. In 2012, Jim achieved a dream of reaching the top of Mount Rainier.

Jim met his wife Madeline in the San Francisco Bay Area and they were married in 2001. Madeline’s job brought them to the Seattle Area, but it was Jim’s idea to live and raise their children, Jane and Jack, on Bainbridge Island. Jim became a volunteer fire fighter for the Bainbridge Island Fire Department. He earned Fire Fighter I and EMT certifications, worked with the F&E Committee, and joined the Fire Investigation Team. Being part of the BIFD was a highlight in his life on Bainbridge and he often remarked that he wished he had known about fire-fighting as a career when he was younger.

Jim was well known throughout his life as someone always willing to lend a hand and to help others. Jim became an active volunteer at Odyssey School and became well-known by all the staff, parents, and children there. In addition, he was Assistant Troop Leader for his daughter’s Girl Scout Troop and became an enthusiastic supporter of Girl Scouts.

No matter what the situation, Jim could be counted on to contribute. His heart and his hands were always open. Jim died a peaceful death after a valiant fight against his cancer. Jim is survived by his immediate and extended family and friends who will miss him very much.