William ''Jim'' James Roller
November 28, 1935 - December 8, 2000

"Steve, I finally made it out to the web site. This is sure a neat way to honor your dad. This is the first memorial site I've seen. It is so much more personal than the newspaper and what a nice way for friends and acquaintances to leave you messages. Very nice!"

"Our thoughts will always be with you Loretta ... God bless Jim."

"To the Roller Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. The memories of you and your father are with us. He was such a kind and thoughtful man. We really enjoyed his poetry at Christmas time. God Bless all of you! Tom, Mona and Christian Green"

"Dear Loretta and family, Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences. I especially feel true sorrow at the premature passing of Jim who possessed the skills and patience to make childhood and adolescence much more than bearable for a friend and neighbor. Sincerely, Mike Dale Lemon "

""'Twas the night before Christmas, and all though the C.U. ..." The tribute poem follows my memorial words. Email me or call if you would like a copy of the poem. Jim's poetry inspired me to create this version of the famous poem for the card that BECU staff sent him. He kept a creative spark alive when we're often besieged by numbers and deadlines. I was especially cheered one tough workday at BECU, when I received my "Inside BECU" with one of his poems, which made me stop and enjoy the wonder of autumn leaves in the wind. My mood and spirit were lighter because of his poetry. I miss our poet laureate, our Bard of BECU. I am honored to have known him. His NEO class on ethics is my strongest memory of my first weeks at BECU over nine years ago. Here is my poetic tribute to Jim... �??Twas the Night Before Christmas A poem for Jim Roller by Barbara O�??Dell �??Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the C.U., not an employee was stirring, not a Dave or a Sue. The garlands were hung by the stairway with care, The partridges searched in their trees for a pear! The guard was on rounds up upon the 6th floor. She was turning off copiers, checking the doors. Elaine�??s office has chocolate! Hmmm! One or two bites! She had finished her candy and turned off the lights! When out on the balcony arose such a clatter, she sprang from the office to see what was the matter! Away to the window she flew like a flash, tore open the blinds, �??Are they after our cash?�?� The moon was behind the clouds and the rain. It was hard to see out through the dark window pane, when, what to her wondering eyes did appear, but a man in a suit, what was he doing here? With a glint in his eye, stepping lively and quick, he burst through the door saying �??I�??ve poems from St. Nick!�?� His eyes-how they twinkled! His laugh, it was merry! He pulled out a poem saying, �??This one�??s for Gary!�?� So friendly was he, this jolly good elf, That the guard had to laugh, in spite of herself. A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, and the guard finally knew that she�??d nothing to dread. The sack that he held, it was filled to the brim, The label upon it, it said �??Poems by Jim�?�! �??I know you,�?� she said with a wink of her own. �??Do you need a hand? Or do you work alone?�?� He said �??Lend a hand!�?� and they got right to work, and the bag was soon empty and closed with a jerk. �??I�??m done here�?� he said with a wink of his eye. He turned to the door and said, �??I�??ve got to fly!�?� He sprang through the doorway, the guard turned away. Wait, what was that noise! Sounds like bells on a sleigh! She turned just in time to see reindeer go flying. �??On Dasher, on Prancer,�?� the driver was crying! And she heard him exclaim, �??ere he drove out of sight, Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night! ------------------------------ Barbara O'Dell Boeing Employees' Credit Union Internal Audit Dept. 206-439-5057 email: bodell@becu.org "

"I knew Jim as a client. Jim was a very gracious man. It was a pleasure to be in his company. He not only wrote poetry, he had a poet's soul. My heartfelt condolences are extended to Loretta and his family. God bless you."

"Dear Loretta, Though we won't be able to attend services for Jim, we're comforted to know that your sons and family will be gathered near to help console you. It's been quite wonderful to read the many positive comments from Jim's co-workers. It sounds like he was the kind of boss we would all like to have. Our memories are of Jim as a neighbor: quiet chats during Bill Point parties, particularly the Hawaiian birthday celebration for Jimmy Madane in your home, and, of course, his love of trees. Though we're no longer neighbors, we hope to keep in touch. Our love to you, Don and Joan "

"I was so sorry to hear about Mr Roller. He always had a smile. We will really miss him here at BECU. My prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Sue Beckman"

"To Jim's Family: Please accept my condolences. Jim will be missed by his friends in the brokerage industry. Amy"

"As a business associate of Jim, I enjoyed his witt and enthusiasm for his job and life. He had a beautiful talent for poetry and took much joy in talking about his family. My most heart felt simpathy to his wife and children. Valorie Seyfert"

"Dear Loretta, I wish I could be with you today, but I know you will have the comfort of family and many friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Nancy"

"We are so very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He will be greatly missed by all. His humor and poetry will be long remembered. We really enjoyed our association with him the last 14 years."

"I am deeply sorry for your loss. Mr. Roller was a wonderful person and I feel truly honored to have known him. Some of my favorite "Credit Union" stories and memories come from time spent working with him. His contribution to our New Employee Orienation Program was also something that I truly appreciated. I know that he loved teaching his Ethics class and that our new employees were enriched by their opportunity to meet and interact with him. He will be missed. Tracy L. Laurie Director of Training and Development"

"Earlier this year I had the pleasure of visiting with Jim at another EMT member's anniversary celebration at BECU. He introduced himself simply as "Jim", and shared with me some anecdotes about BECU's history. At the time I was struck by how friendly and unpretentious he was; he didn't seek to elevate himself above me because of his senior position. When I mentioned it to some co-workers, they all agreed that's how Jim was: kind, fair, honest, and honorable. We shall all miss him, not just for these qualities, but for all that he was."

"It was indeed a privilege to have Jim as our patient. He was truly a remarkable individual. Jim completed his life's journey with pride and dignity. His continual caring for his wonderful family was an inspiration to all of us. We extend our sincere sympathies to each of you and hold you in our thoughts and prayers. Diane Crowder, President Board of Trustees Hospice of Kitsap County"

"To all the Roller Family, We are so saddened at Jim's passing. We enjoyed his company and loved to be part of the Roller clan during our vacations at Whistler. We fondly remember our dinner at Umbertos this past July. We remember the wonderful poem he read Diane at Bryan & Diane's rehereasal dinner 9 1/2 years ago. We are glad that he is in peace. God be with you all. Todd & Christi"

"JIM WAS A INSPIRATION TO ME,I SERVED ON A COMMITEE WITH HIM FOR SEVERAL YEARS.MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY."

"Although I did not have a lot of opportunities to interact with Jim Roller, when I had classes he taught, I was struck by his quintessential eloquence and grace. He very much reminded me of a male Jacqueline Kennedy, he radiated a peace and elegance that seemed it came from an earlier and more gracious era. Always the intellect yet not condescending-a hard line to walk. He will be missed, and certainly I would have hoped to get to know him better, I was unaware that he was a poet, what a loss for all of us. Personally and professionally. Regards: Angeleah Dolfay Becu/Wire room"

"We were proud to have known him. His love of boating, intelligence and positive outlook on life always brightened our day. We loved his poetry! We truly looked forward to the dinners we had with the two of you. I hope you can celebrate his life after the service as his was a life worth celebrating. Fondly, Emmett & Sandy Maloof"

"I am really sorry for your loss. Mr. Roller was a wonderful person always ready to share a joke. I enjoyed working with him for the last 10 years. He will be missed by all. You will all be in our prayers. Kathy"

"I am so sorry for your loss as well as everyone at BECU. Jim was a very nice and considerate person to work with as well as know. He proved to me that there is still truly nice people on the earth. I will always remember him."

"Mr. Roller was a kind, considerate man. I will remember him fondly because of the poem he often recited "The Man in the Glass" during the New Employee Tour at BECU. Your the best Mr. Roller. "

"Dear Mrs. Roller & Family, I am so saddened by Jim's passing. I worked with Jim as one of the EMT Admins. He was honorable, kind, and funny. Often I would run into him in our copy room and he would always share his poems with me. I loved his poem about the falling leaves. I hope that in the days to come that your pain is eased through the cherished memories he made with all of you during his life. May the God of comfort be with you all now and always...Peace"

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"My deepest sympathy & condolences to the family. I am really sorry to hear of your loss. God Bless. I always loved to hear Jim read his poems and to just listen to him speak. I enjoyed talking to him. He was always such a breath of fresh air. He was a real joy to work with, he will be missed very much."

"My deepest sympathy & condolences to the family. I am really sorry to hear of your loss. God Bless. I always loved to hear Jim read his poems and to just listen to him speak. I enjoyed talking to him. He was always such a breath of fresh air. He was a real joy to work with, he will be missed very much."

"It was a pleasure knowing Jim and working with him at the credit union. He contributed a lot to this organization. He will be missed."

"I had the privilege of working with Jim throughout his years at BECU. He was extremely gracious in sharing his knowledge with me. I'll miss his stories, writings, humor, wisdom and especially his presence. My sincere sympathy to his family and may fond memories help sustain you through the more difficult times. "

"I have a lot of respect for Mr. Roller. He was always cheerful, informational and he gave his support with what he believed in. He will be missed!"

"Mr Roller will be missed greatly as BECU. He was a great teacher who made learning fun, easygoing, approachable, interesting, successul person with a wonderful sense of humor. My deepest sympathy to Mr Rollers family. "

"I Wish to express my deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Roller, I Have had the pleasure of working and learning from Mr.Roller for the ten years that I have been at the Credit Union. Jim has been a great teacher of life. Sincerly, Matthew Bodine "

"I work at BECU and had several instances to speak with Mr. Roller. I enjoyed his style of speaking, the glint and gleam in his eye, his humor, and his intelligence. His poems were always a highlight - lighthearted and fun to read. I'm sure your memories will carry you through this time and provide you with some peace. My thoughts are with you. "

"our prayers are with you. Jim touched many lives. I had the pleasure of working with him and a member on the QAT team with him. He always had a special way with words and shared life's adventures with words that one could vision in their mind. I am glad I was able to know him. "

"My deepest condolences to the family of Mr Roller. "

"It is always difficult to find the correct words to say at a time like this. You have my sincerest heartfelt sympathy. He was a wonderful man. "Grief is only love with a bad reputation" Bo Lozof"

"I am a BECU employee and it has always been such a pleasure and inspiration to work with Mr. Roller. I would love to just listen to him talk, about anything. His wisdom, humor, vast vocabulary and kindness will be part of my fond memories of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Tami"

"My thoughts and prayers go out to Jim's family, friends and co-workers. I had the privilege of working with Mr. Roller for over ten years. BECU and I will truly miss his humor, warmth, style, ethics and genuine goodness. He has helped make this organization not only successful, but meaningful. "Grief is only Love, with a bad reputation" - Bo Lozof God Bless."

"Jim spoke for an hour at my New Employees' Orientation at BECU. An hour that greatly influenced my life. I was so focused on his every word and how he uttered them with such grace and poetic stance. He mentioned books which I bought and read and gave to co-workers and family. I've return to school and hope to obtain a degree that I have only dreamed about for 16 years. I have my work cut out for me in returning, but I've never been more excited. I have to honestly mention that Jim Roller was the cause of this. I will not forget him and hope and pray that his children carry on his beliefs and thoughts of how life should be lived and enjoyed. Never losing touch with the wonders of literature and the uniqueness to life reading brings. Thank you Jim"

"I worked for Mr. Roller in the BECUFS and always found him to be a kind person. He was very interesting in his Ethics class as well. In meetings or in the hallways he always had interesting little stories of he and Mrs. Roller's travels and adventures. He will be missed around here. My prayers are with you. "

"My thoughts and prayers to the family of Mr. Roller.I have worked with Mr. Roller during my Tukwila days and I have learned so much from him. I will treausure the wisdom and knowledge that he shared with me."

"I will always remember Jim through my memories of working with him and his beautiful poetry. My heart goes out to you in this time of loss, but I hope you are comforted in the future by your memories."

"If only there were words to ease your pain... Please know that Jim had a powerful impact on all he had contact with. He was an inspiration to many,like a favorite professor. I am grateful to have known him for even a short time. May God bless and keep you ... - Sheri Sala "

"I ONLY MEET MR ROLLER ONCE BUT I COULD REMEBER HIM BEING REAL FRIENDLY AND LOVED TO TALK. HE WILL BE MISSED AT BECU"

"I am very sorry to hear about Jim. I am an employee at BECU, and had the opportunity to hear him speak at some of his courses. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. "

"Thank you, Jim. You expressed yourself with grace and dignity. You did not act like an "executive." You acted as good people do. God Bless you."

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"I never met Jim personally but watched the staff activities that were being planned to celebrate his retirement and knew that he must be a special man, to be so loved. I am sorry I never got to talk to him about his love of boats and obviously, the water. My wishes go out that Jim's family have lots of support through this difficult time. Catherine Sacre"

"I would like to truely express my sincere condolences in your loss. I merely met Jim once almost 4 yrs ago while in new employee orientation.. he was a very sweet man.. My heart goes out to you and your family at your loss."

"Steve, Although I never met your father, I know how much he meant to you. You have my sincerest sympathy."

"My deepest sympathies. Mr. Roller was always a pleasure to work with. His ethics class was the best and his poetry was always inspiring."

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"Loretta and family, My heartfelt sympathy to all of you at this time, Jim will be missed by many. He was always approachable and easy to talk to and a very decent human being. May God bless you all, Karen Flemming"

"Dear Loretta, Steve, Scott, and Bryan, I am extremely sorry to learn about Jim. He was a loving and caring dad and husband and I know how much he will be missed. His spirit will always be with all of you. His memories should be cherished and looked upon everyday with a smile. There are no words to express how it feels to lose a family member. Just know, Jim is at peace. Our thoughts are with all of you. Love, Jeff and Kristi Oberlander "

"Our deepest sympathies are with you all. Bless you."

"Dear Loretta, You know you and Jim have a really special spot in my heart and always will. I am so honored to have known such a fine gentleman as your Jim. I hope your grief will be short and replaced by the magnificient memories of your time together and whatever God has in store for you in the future. With Love, Lorie "

"Loretta and Family; My very deepest sympathy and Condolences to each one of you at this very difficult time. Jim was a colleague that I admired greatly for his genuine and sincere nature. His ability to teach and share his vast amount of knowledge was appreciated and respected by many of us at BECU. I will miss his daily greeting and interesting stories. May you be provided with the added strength and comfort needed at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Elaine"

"Dear Loretta and the "boys", While the boys in Scout Troop 629 have scattered in their adult life, I am certain that few will have forgotten Jim's leadership in the troop and his quiet way of getting things done. Like many who write you now, I regret having waited too long to re-establish contact with you and Jim in Bainbridge Island. Barb and I walk past your former home in Somerset and wish that you were still here. I know how much you will miss Jim and hope that you will reach out and let us know when we can visit you and catch up on the intervening years. Our hearts go out to the boys, now men, but know that Jim's fathering has made them great people and worthy citizens. "

"I only recently met Mr Roller at BECU. My deepest sympathies to your family. Mr Roller will be missed so very much."

"Scott, I'm sorry to hear about your dad. Best wishes. Wendy Scattergood"