Obituary of Tanner Eldon James

Our beloved Tanner Eldon James tragically left this world on March 2, 2023 at 27 years old. Tanner was a son, brother, life partner, cat dad, grandson, uncle, cousin, and friend to so many. His personality was magnetic, and those who had the pleasure of knowing him can attest to his disarmingly shy smile.

Tanner was born on September 6, 1995 to happy parents Kenny and Dawn James in Tacoma, WA. He grew up in a loving household as the middle of three siblings, and spent his childhood enjoying the Pacific Northwest with his family on camping, fishing, and hunting trips. He had a compassionate heart from an early age, and was always the one to make sure others were included. As he got older, he continued to love living his life outdoors with his family and friends.

After graduating from GKHS in 2014, Tanner followed the footsteps of his brother, Hunter and father, Kenny by pursuing a career in the low voltage electrical field.

In 2016, Tanner met his girlfriend and life partner, Ashley Hising. Tanner and Ashley moved into an apartment together and adopted two cats, Theodore and Zahara. Theodore was Tanner's pride and joy. They had a happy life together, making memories with friends and family, going on road trips, exploring hiking trails and downtown shops throughout Washington, Oregon, California, Canada, and other regions. They also enjoyed time at home with their two fur babies and a good movie.

Although he enjoyed his quiet time, Tanner’s passion for snowboarding with his loved ones was the peak of his happiness. He was unanimously the best rider in the group. Tanner was not very outspoken, however as soon as you put a board under his feet, his riding spoke for him.

He went on many snowboarding trips including to Canada, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and Argentina. The highlight of his many snowboarding trips, though, was spending a month in Japan with Hunter and their friends experiencing all that Japan had to offer.

Tanner had an artistic side, spending his quiet time drawing beautiful landscapes, editing videos, writing, journaling, and going to concerts with his siblings. He was a reserved individual and used his creativity to express himself.

Tanner was the kindest person you could have ever met. He served as an inspiration to many in his life for his kind, gentle, and generous heart and his compassion for those around him. He will be greatly missed by all those who loved him.

He is survived by his parents Dawn and Kenny James; the love of his life, Ashley Hising; his siblings, Courtney James, Hunter James, and Sister-in-Law Brooklynne James; his first nephew River James; his grandparents Carol and Daryl James and Linda Gilbert; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Celebration of Tanner’s Life will be held on March 19th

Pierce County Environmental Services Building

9850 64th Street West

University Place, WA 98467

1pm-4pm

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please consider donating to either Protect our Winters or the White Pass Ski Patrol.

White Pass Ski Patrol / whitepassskipatrol.org

Homepage / protectourwinters.org