Josiah Allen Ringland

87, of Bainbridge Island, died at home on June 9.He was born in Sioux City, Iowa and attended Morningside College on a track scholarship. Running continued to be part of his adult life where he participated in numerous events on the west coast, including seven marathons.While in college he got his pilot's license and enlisted in the Army Air Force. He flew a B-24 bomber with General Chinault's Flying Tigers on 45 missions out of Kunming, China as well as several flights over The Hump for supplies.After his military service he lived in Des Moines, Iowa for 14 years, working as a structural detailer for Pittsburgh Des Moines Steel company. He moved to Washington State and worked in a drafting room until a steel strike forced businesses to close. He took a "temporary" job as a Seattle Metro Transit driver for 30 years.Washington State offered opportunities he did not have in Iowa. With his family he hiked and backpacked in the mountains, including Alaska and Canada, went beachcombing and cross country skiing. He purchased a commercial troller and the family spent vacations fishing off the Washington Coast. He had a love of singing and for more than 50 years sang with choirs and communtiy groups wherever he lived. He bicycled to the ferry everyday and then rollerbladed to work.Joe is survived by his wife Elinor, of 64 years and a sister, Jane Lee of Odebolt, Iowa; four children and six grandchildren. Children: Joe D. (Rinie Adams), Brush Prairie, WA; Margaret (Dan Adams) of Seabeck, WA; Robert Ringland, Portland,Or; Jill (Briant Ashby), Des Moines, Wa.Grandchildren are Zach and Tarn Adams, Ben and Elinor Ringland, Kate and Severn Ringland.The family requests any donations be made to Bainbridge Island Senior Center, 370 Bjune Drive, Bainbridge Island, WA or charity of choice.Cremation arrangements are pending through Cook Family Funeral Home.