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James was born in Coeur d'Alene May 23, 1942, to John and Betty Malmquist, and grew up in Jackson, California, with his brothers Richard, Ron, and John. He attended Jackson High School, graduating in 1960. He then attended Stockton College, where he drove the college bus.
He was drafted into the Army in 1966 and was based in San Antonio, Texas. He later relocated to Tacoma, Washington, where he lived most of his life. In 1972, he was honorably discharged from the Army and started his career in real estate. He began his own construction company and built homes throughout Pierce County, Washington. He became president of the Home Builders Association of Greater Tacoma in 1978.
Jim married Leona Springer Rieger from Medicine Hat, Alberta, on December 7, 1976.
Jim had a love for flying and had earned his IFR pilot license in 1981. He had a huge love for his family and passion for living life. He enjoyed working in the gardens and the orchard on his Idaho farm where they also have milking goats, geese and chickens. He especially loved his cats, Sally, Lilly and Penelope.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents John Malmquist and Betty Neill Bosse and two brothers, Richard Malmquist and John Malmquist.
He is survived by his wife Leona, and children Susan (Andy) Petersen of Lodi, California, Jim (Gilly) Malmquist of Lafayette, California, Tamra (Kerry) Tunison Rieger of Issaquah, Washington, Sonja (Francis) Krebs of Bonners Ferry, as well as five grandchildren.
Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.