Distinguished Chehalis attorney and former WSBA President Jim Vander Stoep died on March 8. Vander Stoep practiced law in Chehalis for 53 years and served as bar president in 1989-1990.
Longtime partner Rene Remund said Jim was from the generation that believed you have a responsibility to serve more than just yourself.
“He took his responsibility as a lawyer very much to heart. It was a profession, not an employment. What characterized his life was personal responsibility.
“He served his country during WWII, completed his education, provided for his family, his clients and his community. Jim also served on the Board of Governors and as bar president, again seeing his duty and responsibility not simply as an active attorney representing clients but to also further the bars service to the legal community and the state.
“It all comes back to serving more than yourself. It is something worth emulating,” said Remund.
A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Chehalis.
Learn more about the life of Jim Vander Stoep.