Obituary: James Newton Covington

James Newton Covington, born October 26, 1962, passed away unexpectedly at his home after hospitalization for heart failure.

A long-term resident of Mercer Island, Jim enjoyed scouting, skiing, and soccer before graduating from in 1981. Graduating from the University of Washington, with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, in 1985, he also pledged Sigma Phi Epsilon.

He then worked in advertising and media sales with Evans-Kraft Advertising before moving to Phoenix in 1990. There he completed a dual masters program, with an MBA from Arizona State University in 1992, and a Masters in International Management from Thunderbird, American Graduate School of International Management in 1993.  He pursued a career in international finance and management in Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Later on, he became a Certified Financial Advisor. While in Europe, he worked with Citibank in Prague, Czechoslovakia and Bratislava, Slovakia and traveled extensively in Europe. Possessed of an analytical mind and sharp wit, he was an avid news hound and political expert. Jim was a voracious reader and always enjoyed spending time with his family.

Jim was preceded in death by father, James Franzman Covington and brother-in-law, Eric Brian Swanson, and is survived by mother, Nancy Axell, stepfather, Dick Axell, sister, Cathy Fliris (Bill), sister, Darci Swanson, sister, Kelline Togesen (Hans), stepbrother, Kris Axell (Cheryl), stepsisters, Karen Axell (Paul), Karla Axell (Chuck), nephews Brendan and Jesse Fliris, and niece Gretchen Swanson.

A memorial service will be held at the East Shore Unitarian Universalist Church on Saturday, January 28, at 2 p.m, reception following. Memorial tribute gifts can be made to Sound Mental Health at Sound Mental Health, Development Office, 1600 E. Olive Street, Seattle, WA 98122 or go to https://smh.org