Resolution 1528RESOLUTION NO. 1528
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, HONORING JAMES MICHAEL
TRANER AND HIS MANY CONTRIBUTIONS
WHEREAS, Jim Traner's service preceded his time in Edmonds with an extended tour of duty in
the Army during Vietnam; and
WHEREAS, Jim used the GI Bill to get a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration
( emphasis in accounting); and
WHEREAS, Jim settled into a 50 year career in public accounting, making partner at Laventhol
and Horwath and later co-founding Edmonds' accounting firm, Traner Smith and Co, in 1994;
and
WHEREAS, even at the busiest stage of his life with a young family, Jim found ways to serve
the community, volunteering as softball coach for his daughters' teams, and was instrumental as
a member of the MLL Board of Directors in developing the first Mukilteo Little League field;
and
WHEREAS, Jim originally joined the Edmonds Rotary in the 1980's, served as Club President in
the early nineties, and was a charter member of the Edmonds Day breakers Club when it formed
in 1996, serving as that club's Treasurer for about half of his 27 years with the organization; and
WHEREAS, he also served as the Rotary District 5030 Treasurer under Stan Dickison's
Governorship; and
WHEREAS, Jim Traner served for many years as Treasurer and Board member of other
Edmonds service organizations, including VFW Post 8870 and the American Legion Post 66; and
WHEREAS, Jim was known as a key recruiter for the many roles that make these organizations
work, and
WHEREAS, he was additionally in an advisory role to the first Student Veteran Association at
Edmonds College, and a donor to the Edmonds College Veterans Resource Center; and
WHEREAS, Jim was a past Trustee (auditor) of VFW District 1 and current Trustee for VFW
Department of WA, and was known to delight those he was auditing by planning the appointment
at noon and bringing lunch for all; and
WHEREAS, Jim was the catalyst behind the Edmonds Veteran Plaza, contributing countless
hours to the creation and stewardship of this gathering place, honoring veterans, and providing
for all who appreciate the service and sacrifice of our veterans; and
WHEREAS, on July 22, 2023, on a day he spent boating and fishing, and while reeling in a giant
salmon, Jim suffered a heart attack and left this world;
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NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Edmonds Washington, on
behalf of a grateful nation and community, hereby thanks and honors Jim Traner for his many
positive impacts and contributions to our community.
RESOLVED this 5th day of September, 2023.
ATTEST:
~~ ~ Y\ ~ CLERK~ PASSEY
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK:
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL:
RESOLUTION NO.
CITY OF EDMONDS
September 1 2023
September 5 2023
1528
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