James Henry Wittmeyer

James Henry Wittmeyer, 85, died Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at his home in La Grande. A viewing will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2005 from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande. A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 5, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley. A private burial will be held at Island City Cemetery.

James Henry Wittmeyer was born on July 24, 1920, the son of James Henry and Elva (Spencer) Wittmeyer in Glendale, California. James attended schools both in California and later in Yoncalla, Oregon where he graduated with the class of 1935. Upon graduating, James moved to Eugene where he attended a trade school for mechanic's and while living there he met his future wife, Gail Polly and together the couple where married on November 2, 1941 in Woodburn, Oregon. James enlisted in the United States Navy but due to medical reasons, he was discharged shortly after enlistment. Upon his return the couple lived in California for a time while he worked for a grocery store and then for the United States Forest Service. He would later work in sales where he sold restaurant supplies before moving to Pendleton in 1961 where he went to work for the State of Oregon Parks as a equipment and maintenance man. The couple moved to La Grande in 1982 and James retired in 1983. He was a past member of the La Grande Elks Lodge, Tri-Mountain Good Sam Chapter and the Blue Mountain Gem Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, the outdoors, wood carving and lapidary work.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Gail Wittmeyer of La Grande; children and their spouses, Charlene and Duane Kenward of Kehei, Maui and Jean and Doug Mallory of Enterprise, Oregon; sister, Mary Scullion of Tujunga, California; grandchildren, David Beem, Rick Beem, Doug Mallory Jr., Robert Mallory, and Marci Downs; great-grandchildren, Bethany Beem, Melissa Beem and Lindsey Beem; numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. His parents, son Marvin Ross Wittmeyer, grandson Willie Mallory and brothers, William Wittmeyer and Carl Wittmeyer all preceded him in death.


In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make contribution in memory of James Henry Wittmeyer to the Pacific Northwest Renal Service in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.