BOMBER MEMORIAL

CHARLES JAMES "CHUCK" TRUJILLO ~ Class of 1965
April 20, 1947 - April 11, 2026



Charles James "Chuck" Trujillo was born April 20, 1947, in Pueblo, Colorado to Jim and Helen Trujillo. He recently died on April 11, 2026, in Seattle, Washington.

After graduating from Columbia High School in Richland, Washington with the Class of 1965, he moved to Seattle. He attended the University of Washington prior to going to Vietnam. He graduated from Seattle University after coming home from the war.

Chuck met his wife, Patsy Ruth Pettyjohn, at a party after his return from Vietnam where he received a Purple Heart. They were married in 1975 and have two daughters, Erica (Josh) and Jennie (Sean); two grandsons; a great grandson; a great granddaughter; and one on the way.

He lived in Seattle and taught history at Denny Middle school for 30 years as well as coaching girls' basketball and track. He also coached football at Rainier Beach High School in Seattle. They later moved to Kent and then Auburn.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Patsy; daughters, Erica (Josh) and Jennie (Sean); two grandsons; a great grandson; a great granddaughter; and one on the way; his older sister, Pat ('62); his sister, Debbie; and his brother, Mike.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Helen; his brother, James "JJ" ('68); and his twin brothers, Ron ('70 Honorary) and Don ('70 Honorary).

His immediate family had a graveside service on his birthday, April 20, 2026, at Tahoma National Cemetery. He received a purple heart and was buried with full honors and a 21-gun salute.

Chuck was dedicated to his family and friends and always made everyone enjoy life and laugh.

Bomber Memorial put together by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).