EN Master Chief James Webster 1964-2019 Retired Master Chief Engineman James C. Webster made his last port visit and answered heaven’s call for his final underway on January 4th, 2019, surrounded by the love of his family and friends, at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, WA. Jim was 54 years old, born on November 28, 1964 to Leela and Junior Webster. In October 1987 he enlisted in the U.S Navy in Wyaconda, MO.
He served in the Navy for 30 years as an Engineman, and progressed through afloat positions of increasing responsibility on 8 ships, the USS Simms FF 1059 being the first to the USS Nimitz CVN 68 and ashore in many ports. He was a Petty Officer in Great Lakes, IL for 4 years, where he trained many future seaman and instilled respect, dignity and courage. He retired from service October 31st, 2017 as Master Chief Petty Officer in Everett, WA.
Jim was born to live on the sea, but he also enjoyed going home to the farm. His mother and father owned a 110 acre farm in Kahoka, MO and Jim loved helping out on his visits. He also enjoyed tieing a hog feeder top to the back of the four wheeler and pulling the kids around when it snowed.
He was encouraged by his mother and uncle to join the U.S. Navy at the age of 23, when he left for boot camp it was hard for his mother, because he was the baby of the family. 30 years later she was on his mind as he gave his retirement speech and hoped she was proud of the man he had become. She and his father preceded him in death.
In 1984 Jim welcomed his daughter, Jessica Otto, of Quincy, IL, into his life and she became his lighthouse in the storm. The last words he spoke were of her and his granddaughter, Thea Otto, saying how much he loved his beautiful baby girls. They survive.
He married Eugenia Gonzaga of Oslob, Cebu, Phillipines on December 16th, 2012. She introduced him to the filipino culture and the islands. She survives.
When they would visit the island, he would always ensure he had candy to hand out to the children of the village. Jim was also an avid bowler, winning many competitions. He is also survived by three sisters; Mrs. Gerald (Julia) Redding, Mrs. John (Linda) Redding, and Nedra “Mae” Eslinger, and two brothers; Roger (Tammy) Webster, Danny (Sharon) Webster, all of Missouri and honorary brother Rudy (Lisa) Laed of Seattle.
As well as numerous nieces and nephews, including Felix Romiral, who he grew especially close with. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Robert and several aunts and uncles. The family will receive friends at Columbia Funeral Home, 4567 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA with visitation starting at 11 AM, with the funeral service starting at 1 PM.
After the service a reception will be held at the Joy Palace at 6030 MLK Jr Way, South Seattle WA. There will also be a private ceremony in Wyaconda, for the family unable to attend in Seattle. ENCM Webster will be committed to the deep at a later date, so that he may always be on the water.
In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that donations be made to his granddaughter’s education fund or the Navy Nurse Corps Association. To share your memories and words of encouragement to his family, as they lay their hero to rest, please be sure to visit James online guest book. From his brothers of the sea, “Rest now brother, we have the watch!
Fair winds and following seas Master Chief!
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