James Dalton Coyne

James Dalton Coyne, known affectionately as Jim, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, in Silverdale, Washington, with family at his side, at the age of 68. Born on February 18, 1957, in Seattle, Washington, to Guy and Joann Coyne, Jim was a man of quiet strength, sharp wit, and enduring craftsmanship. His life was one of deep family roots, personal reinvention, and a love for building—both in the literal and metaphorical sense.

Jim’s lineage traces back to some of the earliest settlers of Port Townsend. His great-grandfather, also named James Dalton Coyne, was a well-respected general contractor in the early 1900s who played a pivotal role in shaping the town’s foundational infrastructure. From water systems and roadways to buildings that still stand today, the elder Coyne helped lay the groundwork—quite literally—for the community that generations of Coynes would call home. The family’s legacy in Port Townsend is etched into the town’s history, with stories of integrity, grit, and service passed down like heirlooms.

Though Jim was born and raised in Seattle, his heart was always tied to the Olympic Peninsula. At 17, he joined the United States Navy at the urging of his father. His time in the military was short-lived, as he soon realized his path lay elsewhere. The decision to go AWOL—while controversial—marked the beginning of Jim’s lifelong journey to live life on his own terms, always valuing authenticity over expectation.

After returning to civilian life, Jim worked as a cabinet maker in Seattle, where he began honing the skills that would later define his career. By the early 1990s, drawn by both family legacy and a desire for a quieter life, he relocated to Port Townsend. There, he put down permanent roots and turned his passion for woodworking into a thriving business. Founding Peninsula Cabinet & Design, Jim became known not just for his craftsmanship, but for the care and pride he brought to each project.

In 1994, Jim met Mindi Freund. Their connection was instant and enduring. They married in 1996 and spent the following years building two beautiful homes together—both literally and figuratively—as they raised their daughters, Shelby and Emma, in the community that Jim loved so deeply.

In the early 2000s, Jim shifted gears professionally, moving from cabinetry into building inspection. Ever curious and committed to doing things right, he studied hard, passed his licensing exams, and joined Jefferson County’s Department of Community Development as a Building Inspector. His knowledge of construction, combined with his fairness and integrity, earned him deep respect from colleagues and contractors alike.

Though Jim and Mindi eventually separated in 2002, their friendship remained strong. Together, they co-parented their daughters with love, grace, and mutual respect—a testament to the deep bond they continued to share.

Jim was known for his big heart and even bigger sense of humor. He loved to joke and laugh, often lighting up a room simply by walking into it. There was always a twinkle in his eye and a grin on his face. He had a way of making others feel at ease, and he made lasting connections everywhere he went. Jim believed in helping people—whether it was teaching someone a new skill, offering a hand with a project, or simply being there to listen. He was a mentor, a helper, and a friend to many, and the warmth he carried with him was contagious. The room truly felt lighter when he was in it.

Outside of work, Jim found joy in restoring classic cars, collecting model trains, gardening, and spending quality time with his children and grandchildren. He was a devoted father, a proud grandfather, and a loyal friend. His presence brought comfort and laughter to those around him.

Jim is survived by his daughters, Shelby Kamien (Coyne), Emma Coyne, and son-in-law Colin Kamien; his grandchildren, Claire Kamien and Jack Kamien; and a wide circle of extended family and friends whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Guy and Joann Coyne, and his sister Teresa Coyne.

Jim’s life was one of quiet impact—a builder in every sense, from the homes he crafted to the community he supported. His legacy lives on not only in the structures that bear his craftsmanship but in the stories, laughter, and love shared among those who knew him.

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”

— Pericles

May Jim rest in peace, surrounded by the mountains and sea he loved, and reunited with those who went before him.

SUNDAY, APRIL 13TH

Jims last cruise meeting at 1230pm at Bradley Kosec Funeral home.