James Warren Elmer entered this world on December 2, 1947, and left this world on January 6, 2025, in Spokane, Washington. He lived life to the fullest and was a constant source of love and support to his family. Jim graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1966, with his proudest accomplishment attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in 1963. Jim continued his schooling at Washington State University earning a Bachler’s degree in Construction Management in 1970 and developed a lifelong love of being a Coug. After graduation he married Sharon Rudd and embarked on a career doing what he loved most: construction, which he spent 43 years actively doing.
His first role was with Owens Corning Fiberglass, in the Bay Area, where he contributed to significant projects, including nuclear power plants, paper mills, and the Grand Coulee Dam. In 1976, Jim returned to Richland, WA, to assist with his parents' travel agency for two years before rejoining Owens Corning as a project manager in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska.
The following year, Jim and his family relocated to his hometown, Spokane, WA, where he became Vice President and General Manager of Noise Control, a company specializing in acoustical ceilings and insulation. By 1982, Jim was ready to transition into general contracting, accepting a role as project manager at Bouten Construction. During his time there, he successfully managed hospital projects across the Inland Northwest.
In 1985, Jim’s expertise and leadership led him to co-found BoPear, a merit-shop construction company, where he served as president. After BoPear dissolved in 1990, Jim set out to make his dream of owning his own business come true. This is when James W. Elmer Construction was established. His company excelled, completing numerous projects, including HUD multi-family housing developments, tenant improvements in downtown Spokane, the Lusso Hotel, and multiple church facilities. In 2013 Jim sold the business and dove into his next stage of life; retirement. The company remains active today, with his son Rob as owner and president.
Jim was a passionate advocate for merit-shop construction, which emphasizes open competition and a free-enterprise approach to building. His involvement with Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) began in 1986, where he made lasting contributions. He chaired several committees, including the Government Affairs Coordinating Committee, and served as the 1991 chairman of ABC’s Inland Pacific Chapter.
Jim’s leadership earned him numerous accolades, including the Bo Engstrom Award in 1998 for extraordinary service and the National Grassroots Member of the Year Award. From 2005 to 2008, he served as ABC’s Region 1 Vice Chairman, and on January 1, 2010, he became the National Chairman. In this role, Jim guided ABC’s executive committee, spearheaded national initiatives, and served as the organization’s spokesperson. He also had the honor of testifying on behalf of ABC contractors before the Washington State Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives.
Jim’s passion for construction was evident even on family vacations, where he would incorporate visits to construction sites as part of the sightseeing itinerary. His lifelong dedication to the industry, combined with his leadership and vision, leaves an enduring legacy.
Jim had a deep fondness for his fraternity Sigma Phi Epsilon and the relationships he created. He worked closely with many of his fraternity brothers in business and it support of the WSU chapter. Jim was a major influence and contributor to seeing the home renovated and restored.
In 2012 he married Sue Klise and he was so excited to show her the world. Their travels took them to many exciting places by way of plane, train, automobile, boat or helicopter they tried them all. Jim’s favorite places to spend time were the Hawaiian Islands and Glacier National Park. Jim was an avid golfer and loved to try golf courses wherever he traveled to. His favorite was playing St Andrews Old Course in Scotland. Jim also loved participating in Bloomsday, from the moment he moved the family back to Spokane in 1980 until 2020, he always talked one or more family members into joining him. He was proud to have been born and raised in Spokane and to have contributed to many construction projects that still live on today.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Leigh and Margaret Elmer and his sister Laurel Noble. He is survived by his wife Sue Elmer of 12 years, his children: Carolyn (Paul) Lineback, Tina (Alex) Morris and Rob (Abigail) Elmer, grandchildren Megan, Elizabeth & Ian Lineback and Aaron & Darren Morris, his siblings John (Ari) Elmer and Peggy (James) Wade, brother-in-law Duane Noble, 7 nephews, and Sue’s daughter Meghan Roepker.
The family wants to express our sincerest thanks to Guardian Angel Homes in Liberty Lake and Horizon Hospice for all the support they provided us in Jim’s final years.
A private family interment is planned at Greenwood Memorial Terrance followed by a celebration of life on May 9, 2025, at 3pm at JW Elmer Construction office, 3022 E Boone Ave, Spokane, WA
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim’s name to a scholarship fund he and Sue established at WSU for Construction Management students.
Link to support scholarship: James Elmer Scholarship
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