James G. Voelz

James G. Voelz, age 91, of La Grande, died Sunday at his home. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, November 25,2009 at the Hillcrest Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. As the weather can be precarious this time of year the family would like those intendance to feel free to dress warmly, even feel free to wear military or hunting apparel as Jim would have liked that.

Jim was born on April 18, 1918, the son of Arno L. and Lela Voelz in La Grande. He graduated from La Grande High School and attended Eastern Oregon College before moving to Corvallis to attend Oregon State University. He graduated from OSU with a degree in agriculture and engineering. Just before the start of World War II he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served actively through the end of the war. He then spent the next 20 years in the Air Force Reserves.

While he was in the Air Force and stationed in Las Vegas he met his future wife, Bernice Barnett and they were married on June 15, 1944 in La Grande. They owned and operated Voelz Oil and Land Survey, while also farming, which he loved. He enjoyed hunting, liked to travel and was a photographer. He was a member of the Knife and Fork Club, Grande Ronde Wheelers Good Sam Club, the Masonic Lodge and the Shrine Club.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Connie Voelz of La Grande; grandson, Vernon Voelz of Corvallis; and other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made in his memory to the Shriner's Hospital for Children in care of Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande.

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