In Memory of Jim Strichartz
For over 30 years, James L. Strichartz (Jim) represented condominium associations, planned unit development (homeowner) associations and cooperatives. Jim was one of the small group of attorneys who drafted the comprehensive Washington Condominium Act, and he was the founder of the largest national community association lawyer discussion group. He was an active leader in the association industry (past President of WSCAI) and prolific presenter and author on various issues affecting associations. Some of his eighteen publications include work such as “Ontological Reflections on Enhancing the Built Environment,” CAI Communicator, July, 1989; and “The Use of Master Association for Enforcement of Owners’ Covenants and Rules,” CAI, Second Edition, 1991. He was invited to teach and speak at countless seminars, conferences, and bar association programs on subjects such as “Collection of Delinquent Assessments, (1984, 1985, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998) at the Community Associations Institute seminars in Washington State; and a presentation on his personal mantra “Friends Don’t Let Friends Buy Condos,” at the Washington State Bar Association, Senior Lawyers Section, Annual Meeting (2003).
Jim attended the University of Michigan School of Law, Ann Arbor – J.D., Cum Laude (1977); was Law Clerk to State of Michigan Court of Appeals (1978); studied at the University of Michigan Institute of Public Policy Studies, Ann Arbor - Master of Public Policy (1976); and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor – B.A. Urban Studies (1973). Furthermore, he was recognized and provided with numerous honors, including: College of Community Association Lawyers, diplomate, 1994; Who’s Who in American Law; Who’s Who in the West, beginning 22nd edition; Who’s Who in Finance and Industry, beginning 26th edition; Community Associations Institute Hall of Fame, inductee, May, 1990; Community Associations Institute Century Club, inductee, May, 1991; CAI National Recruiter of the Year, 1990; CAI Research Foundation Commendation Award, 1992; CAI Washington State Chapter President’s Award, 1993.
In addition to his countless professional successes and lasting legacy, Jim was a certified sommelier and dedicated oenophile and epicurean; he was the treasurer of the WAC Wine Club in 2016 and a member for multiple years. His favorite pastime was sharing fabulous wine over good conversation, because as he always said “life is too short to drink bad wine.”
Jim is an individual who will never be forgotten. He lived his life in a way that shaped and aided numerous lives; his generosity, intelligence and overall distinctiveness in every endeavor he undertook and each relationship he held are legacies themselves. In a variation of the famous Benjamin Franklin quote, “wine is constant proof that [Jim] loves us and loves to see us happy,” so kindly raise a glass to celebrate the rich life Jim lived in the way that would make him happiest.
—Kris Gyjlameti Mutual of Omaha Bank
Jim was a stabilizing force of calm, reason, and wisdom. In my mind he was larger than life, in a navy pinstripe suit with jet black hair and a pony tail. I recall quite a few meetings with Jim, where we had to face a group of condo owners and deliver very bad news—the room always became heavy with tension. Then, Jim, typically seated with clasped hands, waiting to speak until he had the full attention of the room, would begin in a deep tone and growing smile—“well . . .”—and the heaviness would instantly lift, the audience riveted to his every word. I admired him, and I will miss him.
—Jim Talaga, RS Association Reserves, WA
10 Community Associations Journal | June 2018
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