James W. Cannon, formerly of Marion

James W. Cannon

James W. Cannon, former President of Safeco Insurance, computer science pioneer, and beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at home on April 28, 2025, at the age of 97 years.

Jim was born on June 11, 1927, in Marionto James and Lillie Cannon. His mother died when he was only five years old. Thereafter, as was common during the Great Depression, he lived with his maternal grandparents so his father could continue working. Following graduation from Marion High School in 1945, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After completing basic training, he was stationed on a naval cruiser in the North Atlantic — for only one day. He was told that after his Boot Camp testing was reviewed, he was “too smart” for his assignment on the ship and was instead stationed in Cleveland for the Naval Information Systems Department. There, in collaboration with the IBM Corporation’s foray into digital computing, he soon became a leading authority in the design and implementation of computer systems.

Following his discharge from the Navy, he was hired by his former Navy C.O. as a systems programmer for the Taylor Tie Company in Terra Haute, Ind. While working there, he started what was ultimately several years of correspondence school, from which he learned the mathematics, accounting and business skills he would use years later in the executive phase of his career.

When Jim was hired to work for the General Insurance Company of America, he and his first wife moved to St. Louis with their daughter, Vicki. In 1953, he was promoted to head the forward-looking company’s new data processing department that was about to open in Seattle. Their son, Don, and daughter, Julie, were born after the family moved to Seattle.

Tragedy struck in 1961 when Jim was diagnosed with what was then believed to be terminal cancer, and doctors at the time gave him little chance of survival. As the years passed, Jim would simply smile if it was mentioned that he had outlived the doctors who had provided that prognosis.

General Insurance changed its name to Safeco Insurance in 1965. By that time, due in large part to the many innovations Jim and his team developed, Safeco had become one of the most profitable insurance companies in their market. One of Jim’s most significant accomplishments while leading this team was the development of a multiple-purpose computer operating system that was eventually used by IBM as the basis for its IBM System/360 operating system. After enjoying several leadership roles, Jim served as president of Safeco’s Property and Casualty Insurance Companies from 1981 until his retirement in 1992.

Although Jim took great pride in his work, his true love was family. In December 1965, he married Margaret “Peggy” Lyman (née Greer) and welcomed the role of stepdad to her son, Tony. In 1969, Jim and Peggy’s daughter, Kelly, was born. During their nearly 58 years of marriage, they enjoyed a fun-filled life centered around their blended family and many friends, often hosting parties at home and at their family cabin. Jim was an avid reader and was never without a new hobby or interest. He enjoyed water skiing, snow skiing, sailing, yachting, piloting his Piper Cherokee 200, photography, and traveling the world with his beloved Peggy. Jim was heartbroken by her passing in 2023 and missed her every day.

Jim left a legacy of love and accomplishment for all who survive him. They include his daughters Vicki Butts, Julie Cannon (Kim), and Kelly Cannon (Aaron Dean); his sons James “Don” Cannon (Laurie), and Tony Lyman (Tracey); grandchildren Kimberly Filippini, Chad Slayton, Kerry Bair, Jim Cannon, Joe Cannon, Katherine Persinger, Shelby Lyman, Chase Lyman, Emily Dean and Cannon Dean; and at last count 12 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

At Jim’s request, there will be no services.

James Wilbur Cannon was a kind, intelligent, accomplished and generous man. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his family.