James Ivie

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the unexpected passing of James A. Ivie of Bellingham, WA, on December 7, 2023, at the young age of 35.

On February 20, 1988, James Albert Ivie entered the world in Bitburg, Germany. He grew up as the beloved child of Kimberly Dollarhide and Mike Ivie. In his early childhood, he lived in Bellingham with his family, which expanded to include his sister, Bailey, in 1994. James and his family then moved to Acme, WA, just prior to the birth of his youngest brother, Austin, in 1998.

James attended school at Silver Beach Elementary in Bellingham, Acme Elementary in Deming, and Mt Baker Jr. and Sr. High in Deming. From an early age, he began playing baseball and it quickly became a passion for him that he shared with his dad, who often served as his coach. James became a father in 2013, when his daughter Olivia was born, whom he shared with Haley Humphrey.

James’ life was an example of resilience and growth, particularly during the challenges of his early adulthood. James worked many different jobs throughout his life, mostly off and on, doing different aspects of construction. The last few years were marked by a dedication to his work at Enersys in Bellingham, where he quickly mastered each production line in the warehouse. He enjoyed being challenged and had an incredible work ethic, recently receiving notice of a promotion in the warehouse. During any slow moments, James could be found chatting in any department, whether it was upstairs management, on the production floor, or in the warehouse. He made friends with almost anyone. He was always the first to offer a hand where help was needed. He also revived his passion for baseball and established and coached a co-ed recreational softball team with his teammates at work. He was passionate in his coaching and patient with new players, often planning practices and batting practice outside of weekly games. They didn’t win many games, but James was very proud of their improvements.

James met Devyn on a summer day while he was working on a vehicle at his grandparents' house (which was right across from Devyn’s parents). He casually mentioned the weather, and from there they spent hours talking, eventually seeking each other out daily. Within a few months, James told people, “I'm going to marry that girl.” In March of 2022, he followed through with that declaration and proposed at home, and on September 17th, 2022, they married in an elopement ceremony on San Juan Island, marking the beginning of a hopeful chapter.

James loved adventure, whether that was riding too fast on his motorcycle (his other baby) or cruising around in his orange 1946 Chevy truck he inherited from his grandpa. He could spend hours tinkering around with the engine or researching how to improve the performance. But he also loved to have downtime at home, relaxing and watching documentaries about space or WWII. An impromptu dance party was never out of the question, and he always insisted he had the best moves. On weekends, he loved working on projects (from replacing water pumps to building stairs) and spending time with his beautiful daughter, Olivia. He even pulled out his tools to build a treehouse with her one Sunday because he insisted her stick and rope creation was too dangerous.

Tragically, on December 7, 2023, James left this world, leaving behind memories of a life rich with love, perseverance, and aspirations for a bright future. He will lovingly be remembered by his wife, Devyn Ivie, daughter Olivia Ivie, father Mike Ivie, mother Kimberly Dollarhide and stepfather Lyle Dollarhide, sister Bailey Leavitt (married to Jordan Leavitt) and mother to his nieces and nephews Wyatt, Wesley, Bailee, Lincoln and Savannah, brother Austin Ivie, grandmothers Christine Kidwell and Louanna Ivie, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. The family appreciates the love and support during this difficult time and invites friends and well-wishers to join them in celebrating James Ivie’s life at Mt. Baker Senior High School auditorium on December 21, 2023, at 1pm. A reception will follow.

You may view the service via livestream here - https://youtube.com/live/0Rw8VPqQZJY?feature=share