James Mccutcheon Iii, A Noted Locksmith

James McCutcheon III opened doors for a lot of people.

As a locksmith in Crown Hill for more than 20 years, he helped countless people separated from their car keys by a rolled up window and uncovered more than a few family secrets locked away in antique trunks.

From the time he was an apprentice to Bob Chambers at Bob's Lock and Key Service, at 7302 15th Ave. N.W., until recent days when he worked endless hours running the business, Mr. McCutcheon offered easy passage where others had become stuck.

"He was absolutely incredible," said Bill Maltman, who had car doors and lock boxes opened by Mr. McCutcheon.

James McCutcheon III died May 20. He was 44.

Mr. McCutcheon was born in Seattle on Jan. 12, 1951. He grew up in the Ballard area and graduated from Ingraham High School.

"He was genius in mechanical things," said Candace McCutcheon, his sister.

Soon after high school, he decided to use his talents as a locksmith.

He helped change locks for people seeking protection from abusive spouses, assisted police trying to get into a barricaded building and often was the one called when someone had died in a locked room.

He had a gentle sense of humor and always treated people with the respect and honesty he expected in others.

"He always had a kind attitude and mouth toward people," said his father, King County Superior Court Judge James McCutcheon Jr.

Mr. McCutcheon, a lover of music and of Washington's ocean beaches, was a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America, Northwest Locksmith Association, the Ballard Elks Lodge and the Singletonians.

Mr. McCutcheon is also survived by his mother, Marian McCutcheon, and sister, Carole McCutcheon, both of Seattle; half brother, William Grove, of Tacoma; a niece and a nephew.

Services were to be held today.

Remembrances are suggested to a favorite charity or St. Dunstan's Building Fund, P.O. Box 33029, Bitter Lake Station, Seattle, WA 98133.