Monroe climate and mental health advocate Jim Bloss dies at 83

Jim Bloss, a passionate climate and mental health advocate from Monroe, passed away on August 15 at the age of 83. His wife, Lynn Bloss, shared that Jim's commitment to environmental issues grew significantly after watching a speech by Greta Thunberg. He contributed to The Daily Herald, writing about critical environmental topics, including the dangers of single-use plastics and the necessity of reintroducing grizzly bears to the North Cascades. His dedication led him to join the Citizens’ Climate Lobby and serve on the Snohomish County Climate Action Advisory Committee, where he continued to push for legislative change even while battling pancreatic cancer. Community leaders, including Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, commended Jim for his tireless efforts to improve the lives of those around him.

He was also instrumental in advocating for mental health, having served as president of the Sno-Isle chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Jim Bloss will be remembered as a bright light in the fight for community and environmental betterment.