J Tuman

J Tuman May 4, 1941 - November 1, 2023 Dr. Jerd Vance ''J'' Tuman was born to parents R.W. and Marjorie Tuman in Minot, ND, and he lived his early years in small communities on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where he was usually the only “blue eyes” in the classroom. He also lived in Olsburg and Republic, Kansas before his family moved to Zillah, WA in time for his sophomore year of high school. It was there at Zillah High School that J had the incredible good fortune to meet his future wife, Clarice “Kay” Walters, as well as life-long friends, Ron Delp and Don Marsh and many others from the Zillah community. After high school, J enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a medical lab technician in Hanau, Germany and attaining the rank of Specialist E5 during his three years. Following his military service, J married Kay, who was to be his loving partner of 47 years. He then earned his teaching certificate at Central Washington University and embarked on his career in education, expanding his wealth of friends to include others throughout the Yakima Valley and the statewide community of educators. Although J enjoyed teaching in the classroom, he never shied away from a challenge, so he earned a doctorate in education from the University of Washington and went on to become Superintendent of Schools in Wilbur, WA, and then Selah, WA. After 25 years in public education, J left to assume the role of Director at Perry Technical Institute, where he stayed another 15 years until eventually retiring in 2008. He frequently commented that while he enjoyed his many roles in public education, the opportunity to be the director at Perry Tech was his favorite job as an educator, and he cared deeply about the school’s mission. J was a voracious reader and learner, and he was always eager to share what he’d learned with others. With his passion for teaching and helping others realize their full potential, it is difficult to envision J in any other career besides education. J was also a dedicated husband and father, helping Kay to raise their two sons. J relished spending time with his family, but he also took a genuine interest in the lives of others around him. Treating people with kindness and respect were core values for him. After losing Kay, J married Jan Sweezea. He remarked at how fortunate he was to have found love twice in his lifetime. They were able to enjoy 10 loving years with each other, during which they ventured to Europe and had many warm winters in their “tin house” in Arizona. We are all so thankful that they had that time together. J left us in the same manner that he lived his life, with warmth and dignity. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues. J is survived by his wife, Jan Tuman of Yakima, his brother, Charles Tuman (Lisa) of Burien, his sons, Russel Tuman of Yakima and Douglas Tuman of Olympia, his daughter-in-law, Amy Tuman of Yakima, and grandchildren, Zachary Tuman of Cheney, Claire Tuman of Kelso, and Cal Tuman of Olympia. J is also survived by stepchildren Shawn Phelps (Jodi) of Zillah, David Phelps of Yakima, and Dari Bangs (Glen) of Yakima, and their extended families. At his request, the funeral service will be limited to a private graveside remembrance with family. If you wish to honor J’s memory, in lieu of flowers or other gifts, please consider a donation to the J Tuman Scholarship Fund at Perry Tech. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the wonderful volunteers at Memorial Home Care Hospice Services and End of Life Washington for their support throughout this very difficult time. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of J Tuman, please visit our flower store.