James Graham Cairns Jr.

died at home on Bainbridge Island Saturday, August 3, 2013 surrounded by family.Jim was born January 22, 1937 in Seattle, Washington, to Gudrun Aannevik and J. Graham Cairns. In 1958 He earned a degree from the University of Washington and lieutenant's bars from Air Force ROTC. He was a Captain in the Air Force and flew a variety of airplanes, including fighters, bombers and cargo transport. While stationed in Witchita, Kansas he met Doris who would become his wife. They were married nearly 52 years.After the Air Force, Jim went to work for Peoples National Bank, in Seattle, Washington, becoming President of the bank in 1979 continuing until 1986. During his tenure as President of Peoples National Bank he was also a great contributor to the Seattle Community, serving as Director of the Central Puget Sound Economic Development District, the Downtown Seattle Association, President and Director of Seattle Seafair and the first Chairman of the Washington State Convention and Trade Center Corporation. Jim was active in the Washington State Bankers Association and the American Bankers Association, becoming President of American Bankers Association in 1984. He was also active with the Association of Reserve City Bankers, the Clearing House Association and the Exchange System, and was instrumental in the implementation of interstate banking in the United States.Jim left Peoples National Bank in 1986 to become the President of the First National Bank & Trust of Oklahoma City. Subsequently, he worked for the Hallwood Group as President of the Financial Institutions Group restructuring banks in Texas and Alaska.In 1992, Jim left banking and went to work for Seattle Limb Systems as its President. During his more than 10 years there he was instrumental in the dramatic growth of the company. He retired in 2003.Jim's hobbies included his grandchildren, sailing, scuba diving, flying, woodworking and photography.He is survived by his wife Doris, his children and their spouses, Jim and Renee Cairns and Pamela and John Grinter, his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Joanna Cairns, and his grandchildren, Jamie and Suzie Cairns and Jackson and Andrew Grinter.He will be greatly missed.At his request, no service will be held. Please sign the online Guest Book for the family.