Memorial service July 7 for former Kent Mayor Jim White Sr.

A memorial service for former Kent Mayor Jim White Sr. is set for 2 p.m. Friday, July 7 at River of Life Church, 10615 SE 216th St., in Kent.

White, 87, died June 25 in Mesa, Arizona, where he had retired. He was Kent mayor from 1994 to 2005 and helped bring the Kent Station shopping center to town. He was a Kent City Council member from 1984-93.

“Jim was an incredible man, mayor and mentor of mine,” Kent Mayor Dana Ralph said in her weekly update June 30. “He lived his life with so much love and concern for others. He had the ability to see things in people they didn’t see themselves and bring out the best in them. Words cannot explain how grateful I am to him, and how much he meant to me and all of those his light touched.”

Ralph said White definitely had an impact in Kent.

“Jim left a lasting legacy in our community, and represented exactly what it means to be a servant leader,” she said. “His thoughtfulness and kindness made our city a better place. He is so loved and will be remembered by many. In 2019, he was honored with a star at Kent Station, commemorating his achievement of leading negotiations to make the destination we all enjoy today a reality.

“Jim did so many positive and impactful things for Kent, and his vision for creating a gathering place for our community will be enjoyed for generations to come. He loved this place so much. Kent was always his home, even long after his retirement.”

Ralph said the death of White caused her “great sadness” but she looks forward to celebrating his life.

“As we mourn his passing together, let’s also celebrate his life, legacy and achievements, and keep him in our hearts,” Ralph said.

Survivors include his wife Edna White, who referred to her husband in a Facebook post last week as “my love of 65 years.”