James Edward Kearns

Dr. James Edward Kearns, age 81, of La Grande, died Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at his home.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 25, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with The Rev. Norman Shrumm officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels Chapel of the Valley.

Mr. Kearns was born on April 8, 1922, the son of John and Ethel (Campbell) Kearns in Hazen, North Dakota. During World War II he served with the United States Army in the South Pacific. On October 26, 1945 he married Bonnie Rutherford in North Dakota. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Dickinson State Teacher's College in Dickinson, North Dakota. He then taught high school and coached a winning basketball team in Regent, North Dakota. He later earned his Master of Science and his Doctorate in Education from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. He then taught at Minot State Teacher's College before moving to La Grande in 1957. He was a professor of education and head of Education & Psychology and Physical Education at Eastern Oregon University for 29 years, retiring in 1986. He loved teaching and he loved working at EOU.

Mr. Kearns was an active member of Phi Delta Kappa and the Good Sam Club. He was a member of the most longstanding EOU card club in La Grande. He was an avid reader and enjoyed reading about history, especially the history of the Grande Ronde Valley. He enjoyed woodworking and could fix anything. He also loved to travel.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Kearns of La Grande; daughter, Karolyn McMillan of Pendleton; son, William "Bill" Kearns of Springfield; grandchildren, Andrew McMillan, Sarah McMillan, Michael McMillan and Jill Shaw; and other relatives and friends. Two brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.

Those who wish may make contribution in memory of Mr. Kearns to the Eastern Oregon University Foundation or the Multiple Sclerosis Society.