James Benjamin James

James B. "Red" James, age 79, of Union, died Sunday, May 18, 2003 at his home after an extended illness.

A celebration of Red's life will be held at the Union Hotel at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, May 22, 2003. Private interment will be held at the Union Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

Red was born to Claude and Ora (Davis) James in Springdale, Arkansas on April 19, 1924. He attended schools in Arkansas and served with the United States Navy in the Pacific during World War II. He married Barbara Jean Owen - the love of his life on August 2, 1946 in Springdale, Arkansas. In 1947 they moved to Kansas and he became father to Roger, Cindie and Chuck, who were all born in Garden City, Kansas. The family moved to Union on May 21, 1954.

Red was a businessman in Union for 30 years, owning a service station and repair shop and later, J & J Irrigation. He served his community in many ways and was a life time member of the VFW and the Commercial Club. In his younger years he enjoyed Range Riders and JC's. He served on the city council during the 1960's and was a corner stone for the city Christmas Lighting program. As a Union Livestock Show director for many years, Red contributed a great deal of labor to the keeping of the grounds. Many, many people benefited from the helping hand Red offered to anyone, anywhere during his years in Union.
In his younger years he enjoyed buggy and horses and restoring the buggy's. He loved to garden, especially strawberries and onions and enjoyed his flowers. He loved playing games and cards.

Red is survived by his wife, Bobbie, of Union; daughter and her family, Cindi and Bob Stacy of Boise; son, Chuck of Union and daughter-in-law and her family, Carol and Bruce Mulvany of Union; Eleven Grandchildren; sisters, Edna Sterling and Helen Sullivan, both of Hesperia, California; brothers, Lee James of Welch, Oklahoma and Jack James of Springdale, Arkansas; and other relatives and friends. His son, Roger, two brothers and one sister preceded him in death.

Red's desire was that in lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial donations in his name to the Union County Museum, PO Box 190, Union, Oregon 97883