Deceased Members–2008

In Memory of James A. Curtis

James A. Curtis, FSA, passed away on March 6, 2008 after a courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

He was born in Bayard, Iowa on July 1, 1927, where he lived until the age of 14. Immediately after high school, Curtis enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he was an aviation radioman and discovered his lifelong love for flying. After two years in the Navy, he returned to Sacramento and married Betty O'Conner. He graduated from Sacramento Junior College and Drake University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in actuarial science.

Upon graduation, Curtis began his 42-year career as an actuary. He moved to Seattle in 1954 and in 1957 joined the actuarial consulting firm of Milliman & Robertson, Inc. (now Milliman). He served as its chairman, president and CEO for 10 years preceding his retirement in 1993. Having joined the firm as its sixth consultant, he was both amazed and proud that it has grown to some 2,000 employees, with over 47 U.S. and worldwide offices.

Retirement didn't mean retirement from life; to Curtis it simply meant more time for a wide range of interests–fishing from his boat at sunset near his home on Orcas Island, flying his own airplane, experimenting with his camera and playing golf. He took up golf as a teenager and continued to play at every opportunity. While he was fortunate to have played many of the world's great golf courses, he was quick to say that he never met a golf course he didn't like.

Curtis came from a musical family and loved all music, particularly jazz. He worked his way through college playing his string bass in bands in California and Iowa. Up until his illness he loved getting together with a special group of musician friends to "play some music."

He served on the Executive Committee of the United States Golf Association for four years, which gave him the opportunity to be an official for such tournaments as the Masters and U.S. Open. He was a member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland. He earned his private pilot's license at the age of 45, and continued his passion for flying through an active involvement with the Museum of Flight where he served as chairman for two years. He served on numerous boards of community and professional organizations throughout his career.

Curtis never questioned if life's glass was half-empty or half-full–his glass was always overflowing. His optimism and energy were contagious as he mentored, encouraged and touched the lives of many people. His presence on earth will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

Curtis is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Diane Bowen Curtis; son David Curtis (Josie) of Issaquah; daughter Rachel Cox (Gary) of Adin, Calif.; nephew Craig Nelson (Suzie) of Mercer Island, and niece Mary Jane Bezilla (Paul) of Minneapolis, Minn.