James Ernest (Jim, "Doc") Monroe passed away May 5, 2024. He was 88 years old.

Jim was born in Phoenix AZ on August 16, 1935, and later graduated from Prescott High School. He attended and graduated from Northern Arizona University, where he met his wife Janie, in 1957. The two were married for 58 years until her passing in 2014.

From there it was onto Oregon State University where he earned a master's degree and later his PhD in molecular biology.

The family moved from Corvallis to Mt. Vernon in 1963 after accepting a position at Skagit Valley College teaching in the science department on the recommendation of his mentor, lifelong friend, and fellow Beaver Jim Ford.

He and Ford would later go on to collaborate on their highly regarded biology textbook "Living Systems." A wonderful comprehensive recollection of his career at SVC can be viewed in the 2008 SVC publication of "Currents" link:                                                 https://www.skagit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Currents-Winter-2008.pdf

He was to stay teaching at SVC for 43 years until his retirement in 2006. He was known for his fun, unique and charismatic teaching style as well as his staunch commitment to student success. He was a member of the SVC Foundation Legacy Society, Department Chair, Faculty Union President and track coach. He established the SVC Martin Brown Biology Memorial Scholarship in 1975. Later in life he often reminisced about the 13 summers he spent commercial fishing in SE Alaska.

Jim also had a strong attachment to the community. He was a member of the Skagit Valley Choral for many years as well as an early supporter and board member of the Celtic Arts Foundation. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve along with close friend Matt Brown and frequently involved in many other local groups and activities too numerous to mention.

He is survived by sons Sam (Gayle) of Mt. Vernon, Bill (Andrea) of Twisp, daughter Jaime (Robert) of Evergreen CO, Sister-in-law Ceil (Stephen) of Elkridge MD and grandchildren Kendra (Riley), Tyler (Hanna), Lauren (Greg), Megan and Maya. Great grandchildren Sanna, William, Cora Jane, Wesley, Ruby June, Lucas, and Eleanor.

A special thanks to the staff at the Fresenius Kidney Center as well as the doctors and staff at Skagit Valley Hospital and good friends, Skip Pass and Dave Ryberg.

At his passing he said that he had had many previous accolades in his life and that a memorial was not necessary. Donations can be made in his name to either the Martin Brown Memorial Scholarship or Celtic Arts Foundation.  Go Beavers!

Please visit www.hawthornefh.com to share your thoughts and memories and sign the online guest register.