James Harlowe Haugen

James Harlowe Haugen of Winthrop, WA passed away October 12, 2022 in Wenatchee, WA of natural causes. He was born in Hannaford, North Dakota on the family farm to Hans and Maxine Haugen on June 8, 1933. Jim’s elementary education included time in a one room school house, with his mother as the teacher. He attended Hannaford High School and was a gifted athlete. Jim worked for the railroad while he attended Minot State College and University of Wyoming, earning his teaching certification. He earned his masters degree from the University of Montana and his Superintendent’s degree from Washington State University. Jim’s educational career included time as a classroom teacher in Montana, building principal and district Superintendent in Washington state. He was the Superintendent of schools in the Methow Valley for ten years and finished his Washington educational career in Pe Ell as the Superintendent of schools where he worked for eight years. After retiring from Washington state he went to Crane, Oregon and worked as the Superintendent of Schools for four years. Jim enjoyed golf, travel, and time with his family, especially the family reunions in Seaside, Oregon. He enjoyed telling a joke or story to hear others laugh and to see if he could get to the punch line before his wife. He had a sense for adventure, a generous spirit, loved life and was always ready to “go with the flow.” Jim was a wonderful role model for multiple generations and seemed invincible to his family. He had a bigger than life personality that lit up a room. The family’s world feels a little darker right now. However, they feel very fortunate to have many incredible memories of his warmth, inclusive nature, and love to reflect on. Jim married his high school sweetheart, Audrey Mae Bruns in Hannaford, North Dakota March 18, 1951. They were married for 71 years and had 5 children, Steve, Kari, Joni, Lori and Staci. He is survived by his wife Audrey Haugen of Winthrop, WA, Steve Haugen (Karen) of Phoenix, AZ, Kari Spencer (Larry) of Boise, ID, Joni Stevie (Wayne) of Twisp, WA. Lori Haugen (Becky Wetli) of Federal Way, WA, Staci Russell (Brett) of Olympia, WA, 15 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. He is also survived by his sister Vicki (Jerry) Knight, several brother and sister in-laws and countless nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother (Darryl Haugen) sister (Janet Caven), one great grandchild (Teagen Haugen). A memorial service will be held at the Methow Valley United Methodist Church in Winthrop, WA on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 1:00 PM.

James Harlowe Haugen

June 8, 1933 - October 12, 2022