Dr. James P. Fugate “Jim” died peacefully in his home on April 11, 2018 in Auburn, Washington at the age of 85. He was surrounded by family.

Jim was born on January 2, 1933 in the Ozarks of Missouri to Bryan and Edna Fugate. Jim met the love of his life, Billy, at Wenatchee High School in 1951; they were married in July of 1953. Jim proudly served in Germany for the United States Army from 1956-58 during the Cold War. After his service in the military, Jim and Billy moved to Ellensburg, WA where Jim began his work in public education.

Jim received his Doctorate in Moscow, Idaho. He then worked as superintendent in the Dalles, Oregon; Chehalis, Washington; and Auburn, Washington where he served as superintendent of schools for 24 years. Jim was an active member of the Auburn community: he was on the Sterling Savings Bank board for 40 years, the Auburn Hospital Board for 20+ years, owned a local racquetball club, and was a 50-year member of the Rotary Club.

As a sports enthusiast, Jim loved spending his spare time watching the Huskies, attending local Auburn athletic games, playing racquetball and basketball, and golfing near his retirement home in Sun City West, AZ. He was a loving, honest, and passionate man who ultimately just enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Jim is survived by his wife Billy Fugate; sister Betty Landers; children Jennifer and Cary Davidson, Suzanne and Jeff Feris, Cynthia and Scott Crowder, Mindy and James Diebag; grandchildren Marie and Steve Quist, Hilary and Ross Wood, Natalie and Chris Hunter, AJ and Nuchsajee Davidson, Abigail Crowder, Bryan Diebag, Austin Crowder, Andrew Diebag; and great-grandchildren Landon Wood, River Quist, Emma “Gracie” Wood, and Daniel Hunter.

The family had a private burial at Mountain View Cemetery. A public memorial is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 21 at the Auburn High School Commons. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Auburn Public Schools Foundation at 915 4th Street NE Auburn, WA 98002. The family would like to thank Wesley Health and Home Care at Lea Hill and their caregivers and hospice staff for their efforts, kindness, care, and dedication.