Maynard Coy James

Maynard Coy James, 65, long-time resident of Wilson Creek, Wash., passed away on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2005.

Maynard was born on Jan. 2, 1940 in Spokane, Wash. He moved to Wilson Creek in 1949 with his mother, Eleanor, and father, Mormon James. Maynard married Marilyn Kreiter in 1962, they had three children. Marilyn passed away in 1991.

Maynard enjoyed his long life occupation as a wheat farmer, a passion he loved sharing with his son Bill. He also worked as a mechanic and a heavy equipment operator constructing highways and working on the Grand Coulee Dam project.

He retired from the Operating Engineers, and had been a member of the Wilson Creek School Board, Wilson Creek City Council, Washington Grain Growers, Wilson Creek Union Grain & Training Board, Grant County Fire District #12, Wilson Creek Grange #935 and the Eagles.

Maynard enjoyed numerous activities, among his favorites were traveling, hunting, camping, cooking, canning, tinkering with old cars, a good game of poker, music, reading and computer games with Loydene. He loved animals, especially his dog "Gabby."

Though Maynard had slowed down in recent years, he was an old timer of Wilson Creek, active in the community; he had a wealth of great friends that he truly appreciated and loved. He was solid in his beliefs, unwavering in his opinions and always ready for a good debate.

He was always there for his children, his Sunday morning calls to his daughters, and his morning visits with his son will be forever missed. His grandchildren were the highlight of his life. He relished in the times all the children would gather to fill both his house and heart with their laughter and love. He especially like to hear Kori play a son on the piano, Randy talk about wrestling, Jesse talk of riding his motorcycle, and was elated that he and Krister shared the same birthday.

Maynard is survived by his long-time companion, Loydene James of Wilson Creek. His children, son, William James of Wilson Creek, his wife Susan, and their children Jordan and Hunter. His daughters: Cindy James of Tacoma, Wash., her sons Jesse and Randy. Lisa Stavig of Clatskanie, Ore., her husband, Deryl, and their children, Kreiter, Kori and Krister. Julie Howard of Ephrata, Wash.

Maynard's bright blue eyes, quick grin and darned ol' cowboy hat will never be forgotten.

Please join us for a celebration of his life at a memorial service at the Wilson Creek Cemetery on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 at 11 a.m. A community dinner follows at the Wilson Creek Grange Hall.

Nicoles Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.