James "Jim" Robert Kinkead

James Robert "Jim" Kinkead, age 82, of Pilot Rock and formerly of La Grande, died September 1, 2004 at his home. A celebration of life will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Community Presbyterian Church in Pilot Rock.

Mr. Kinkead was born March 10, 1922 to George Wesley and Edith Cowan Kinkead in La Grande. He graduated from Baker High School in 1941 and trained in machine and metal fabrication in the National Youth Administration. He worked in the shipyards in Vancouver, Washington and served in the Navy during World War II. He attended Eastern Oregon College and graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in forestry. In 1958 he married Barbara Livingston.

He worked for US Gypsum from 1954 to 1986 and served on the Pilot Rock School Board and budget committee. He was named First Citizen of Pilot Rock twice, and named Booster of the Year. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, the Pendleton Elks Lodge, and enjoyed sporting events at the high school, volunteering his time taking tickets and helping raise funds for the youth of Pilot Rock.

Survivors include his wife of Pilot Rock; children and their spouses, Ray and Patti Kinkead and Lisa and Kurt Cate, all of Pendleton and James and Kathy Kinkead of Pilot Rock; eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. A daughter, Carla Dobbs, two sisters and a brother all died earlier.

Memorials may be made to the Pilot Rock Booster Club or the Pilot Rock Presbyterian Church.