With grieving hearts the Noe family announces the passing of James Alva Noe Jr, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend to many.
James “Jim” Alva Noe Jr, 93yrs of Mercer Island, Washington, died July 6th peacefully, at his Mercer Island home of 54yrs surrounded by his loved ones as he ascended to rejoin his family who preceded him, specifically his big brother Merle James Noe, and his parents.
God smiled when he made James and James brought that smile into the world.
He was born on May 25, 1932, in Billings, Montana, son of James Alva Noe Sr and Laura “Nona” Madeline (Parmenter) Noe. James attended University of Washington on a football scholarship and graduated with Bachelor’s degree in political science, University Washington, 1954; Bachelor of Laws, Juris Doctor, University Washington, 1957; Graduate, National Judicial College Generational Jurisdiction Class, 1977, University of Reno, NV.
Doctor of Letters honorary, Christian Theological Seminary, 1986, Indianapolis, IN.
Moderator Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada, 1977-1979 (Vice-Moderator 1973-1975). 1.3 million denomination.
After retiring as Superior Court Judge in 1996 was pro-tem Judge King County 1996 until 2008 when he laid down his gavel and devoted the rest of his life to enjoying his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, children and his wife Patricia who he utmost adored and loved all his life from the moment they met with all his heart.
• James Alva Noe has been listed as a reputable judge by Marquis Who’s Who.
• 1991 “Jurist of the Year Award” for the State of Washington, award of the Washington State Board for Judicial Administration
He married Patricia Arlene Caudill, August 4, 1956.
He is survived by Patricia Arlene Noe 90, and their children: Kendra Sue Noe Rodiger 64, Jeffrey James Noe 61, Bradley John Noe 59, Kirkwood Merle Noe 57, and his cherished 7 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.
James was a King County Superior Court Judge for many years but his job did not define the man, who was known for his warm smile by family, friends, associates, and strangers alike; his kindness, patience, empathy and his love of people; his genuine heart, his sense of humor, his love of family, pets, birds, books, movies and many interests and passions; which among was following University of Washington sports especially Husky football which gave him great joy. (James is still the University of Washington record holder for longest fumble return for a touchdown inside Seattle’s `Husky Stadium <77 yards> in 1953 game against University of Colorado).
But his greatest joy and comfort was his Christian faith and the love he held for his family.
To know James is to have loved him.
He was preceded in death by his big brother Merle James Noe who died in WW2, and his father James Alva Noe, Sr, and his mother Laura “Nona” Madeline (Parmenter) Noe.
On July 6th, 2025, God resummoned the smile and light he had gifted his family and the world, and our beloved James, his earthly service finally completed, was reassigned to a higher Court.
James’ Memorial Service will be Saturday, Sept. 6, at Journey Christian Church at 3pm 1933 NE 125th St, Seattle WA 98125 to celebrate his life.
Source: Obituary information for James Alva Noe, Jr.
Janetta Cravens
I was fortunate to get to know Jim while I served in Seattle and benefited on more than one occasion from his steady regard, honest candor, and balanced reasoning. He had a gift to give “it to you straight,” but in such a way that made you glad you received it. He was truly unique and will be dearly missed.