James Ii.

James E. Washington II., 56, of Reading passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 2, 2018 at Penn State Health St. Joseph. Born in Reading, he was the beloved son of the Janice (Thompson) Washington and the late James Washington. He was most recently employed as Director of Operations at Body Zone Sports and Wellness Center and had worked for CNA/Encompass Insurance.
Jimmy, as family and childhood friends called him, graduated from Eastern Lebanon County High School in 1979. He then went on to graduate from Indiana University of PA, IUP, in 1983.
Jim was the ever patient, loving and much beloved husband of Pamela (Ellis) Washington. They were married on the hottest day in June 1991. They met through a mutual friend while out at Willoughby's Nightclub. So, you can meet a good man at the bar. They were together 32 years and six months. They had one special son, Tyler Washington. Jim has said, "He's the best thing I ever did in my life."
In addition to his wife and son, left to cherish his memory are his devoted sister, Alicia Lee, her daughter Tiara Tidmore and her children, as well as his aunt, Joyce Beckett. He was like a brother and a mentor to his cousins and their children. He also has a large family of in-laws who loved him like a son and brother.
How do you sum up a person's life in so few words? Though he left us too soon, he accomplished much. Firstly, he was the best father a boy could have. Firm when needed, loving, calm and ever supportive. He was so proud when Tyler also graduated from IUP. He coached him throughout Little League and later the City-County Baseball League. His involvement in Tyler's school activities led him to become a school board director of the Reading School District.
He had a passion for community service and did so selflessly. He had a desire to make our world a better place. He served on the boards of Wood-to-Wonderful, The Reading Recreation Commission and the Reading Public Museum. He was a major influence in forming the Reading High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Jim lived life to the fullest. He will be deeply missed by "the gang" of ELCO friends with whom Jim and Pam shared monthly dinners and various vacations. He didn't give up on his golf game. The time spent on the course was more about being with friends than the game. He loved the Pittsburgh Steelers and following RHS basketball. With family, friends or just Pam, he enjoyed visiting new cities and sharing his meals, beers and experiences through pictures on Facebook.
Tyler said, "Dad made the world a smaller place." He meets people all the time who tell him that they knew his dad. Jim made a positive impression. It has been written, "heaven is - a place in the memory of others where our best selves live on." Jim will be with us in memory forever. It was Jim's greatest wish that his life be celebrated, not mourned.
Celebration of life service will be held at Bean Funeral Home, N. 16th & Rockland Sts. Reading, 19604 on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 1:00pm. Amy S. Landis, certified celebrant will officiate. The family will receive family and friends from 12:00pm to 1:00pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Reading Recreation Commission, 320 S. 3RD Street Reading, PA 19602, or one of the above organizations of your choice, in memory of James E. Washington II. Online condolences may be made to www.beanfuneralhomes.com.