James Daly, 61, Dies; Brought Color And Character To Fremont

W. James "Jim" Daly, owner of Daly's Home Decorating Centers in Seattle and Bellevue, added much color and character to Fremont, already among Seattle's most colorful neighborhoods.

He was the founding president of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce. He provided paint for murals and to cover graffiti. He volunteered for dozens of other projects.

Tongue firmly in cheek, he gracefully wore the mantle of unofficial "Godmother of Fremont." (The "Godfather" is Suzie Burke, whose family owns many acres in the community, aka "The Center of the Universe").

On Aug. 6, in fact, Seattle Mayor Paul Schell proclaimed Mr. Daly "a center of Fremont's universe."

Mr. Daly died Monday (Sept. 6) of cancer. He was 61.

"Jim has been central to Fremont for over 40 years, inordinately gracious and fun, (with) a wonderful dry sense of humor," said his friend and customer Jeanne Muir. Born in Seattle, he grew up in the Northgate area. His father, Walter Daly, had moved his decorating and paint-contracting firm from Texas to Seattle's Westlake Avenue in the 1930s. Walter Daly moved his shop to Stone Way North in 1947.

As a student, Mr. Daly went to the shop after classes to help with labeling. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1956. He studied business and chemistry at the University of Washington, then went into the business full time.

He opened the Bellevue store in 1961 and became president of Daly's Inc. in 1969. A cousin, Herb Paulson, became co-owner.

One of Mr. Daly's challenges was trying to open a Redmond store in the early to mid-1990s. After troubles with the local economy and tough competition from "big-box" chains, he gave up the third store. But he continued to succeed with his original stores, now run by third-generation Dalys.

Mr. Daly raced Porsches at Seattle International Raceway. For many years, he published the Fremont Rotary newsletter and the Fremont Chamber of Commerce newsletter.

"He just had a little quirky sense of humor, and Fremont was the perfect place for him," said his wife of eight years, Vicki Daly.

Also surviving are his children, Ramsay Daly and Robin Daly, both of Seattle; brother, William Daly, Woodinville; and a grandchild.

Services are at 1 p.m. tomorrow at University Christian Church, 4731 15th Ave. N.E., Seattle.

Donations may go to Wallingford Boys and Girls Club, 1310 N. 45th St., Seattle, WA 98103; or to University of Washington Cancer Center, c/o UW Foundation, P.O Box 358240, Seattle, WA 98195.

Carole Beers' e-mail address is cbeers@seattletimes.com