Port of Kalama Commissioner Jim Lucas will be remembered as a tireless community leader who helped position the Port as an economic development engine and industrial hub for the region.
KALAMA, WA (PRWEB) APRIL 08, 2012
Longtime Port of Kalama commissioner, Jim Lucas, has died from complications due to cancer. Lucas served as a port commissioner from 1984 until his passing Wednesday, April 4, 2012. A lifelong Kalama resident, Lucas retired from Kalama Telephone Company and served community organizations like the Kalama Lions and the Kalama School Board.
As a port commissioner, Lucas served as a delegate to the American Association of Port Authorities, and was a board member of the Cowlitz-Lewis County Economic Development District. The Port of Kalama experienced numerous significant events during Lucas’ term as port commissioner (1984 – 2012) all of which not only enhanced Kalama’s livability but established the port’s position as an economic development engine and business hub for the region. Just some of the notable events during Lucas’ port commission tenure include:
- Reopening of Bennu Glass, LLC wine bottle manufacturing facility in 2012
- Dedication of Louis Rasmussen Day Use Park
- Dedication of Kalama River Industrial Park
- Completion of road and utility infrastructure to begin constructing light industrial buildings for manufacturing and distribution
- Acquisition of properties east of Interstate 5 (East Port) for future business development and development of new fairgrounds and ball fields
- Construction and dedication of Kalama River Bridge on Hendrickson Drive
- Development of pedestrian and bike pathway system in recreational area
- Development of the North Port heavy industrial site, including rail and the North Port wharf
- Securing large industrial tenants at the North Port, Steelscape, Inc (formerly BHP) and American Air Liquide
“Jim had a long term vision for the Port of Kalama. He always kept that vision in mind during our deliberations about future development at the Port,” said Port of Kalama commission president Randy Sweet. “He was a level headed gentleman who always brought a smile to our meetings. His invaluable institutional memory will be dearly missed at the Port.”
A memorial service for Jim Lucas will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park & Crematory. The public is welcome to celebrate the life of Kalama’s longtime community leader and public servant.
