Obituary: Albert, James Benson “Jim”
Age 79
He was born in Aberdeen, WA, to William R. and Pearl G. Albert.
Jim was raised with his older sister and brother in The Dalles, OR, graduating from The Dalles High School in 1954, then continued to University of Oregon where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theory and Composition (1958) and a Masters in the same field (1959).
In 1958, he performed with the U of O marching band in the Rose Bowl.
He met his future wife Lorena Ruth at summer band camp in 1952, married in 1956, and they spent 43 wonderful years together.
As a lifelong teacher of music, he began his career in Dallas, OR, then moved to Everett Junior College, before becoming a tenured professor at Eastern Washington University, retiring in 1997.
While at EWU, he taught Music Theory, Music Appreciation, and trumpet.
From 1968 to 1977, he was the Director of Bands, bringing in world-class jazz musicians to guest perform with the EWU Jazz Band.
In 1974, he conducted both opening and closing ceremonies at the 1974 World Exposition in Spokane, WA.
In addition, he was an active professional musician and played with many organizations, including the Spokane Symphony, Ice Capades, and the Happy Canyon Band at the Pendleton Round-Up.
An avid Mariners and Ducks fan, he enjoyed watching a game while listening to classical music.
Jim is survived by his three children Patrick, Kristi, and Peter, as well as eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, a niece, and two nephews.