James E. Pelham

James Eugene Pelham, 74, died on March 7, 2008, at his home in Royal City due to congestive heart failure. However, for everyone close to him and those who had met him only once, you know that Jimmy's heart did not cease to care deeply for others on that day.

Jimmy was a generous, thoughtful and humble man, who cared more for others than they could imagine caring for themselves. He was an honest man in friendship and love. Jimmy could make a friend in anyone he met and spent many hours telling stories to those new friends.

He enjoyed fishing in Port Angeles with his brother-in-law George Lindemann or Cottage Lake with his grandchildren, elk hunting at Bethel Ridge and Elk Heights with his father, brothers and son, deer hunting with his brothers and granddaughter, watching birds, feeding the squirrels and planting spring bulbs in his garden. Together with his son, he also tried his luck with horseracing and afternoons spent at Longacres Racetrack provided many family memories. Jimmy was also dedicated to playing the lottery every Wednesday and Saturday. At both horseracing and the lottery, he never strayed from betting "his" numbers: 1, 2, 6, 9 or 12. Jimmy, as we all are, is still waiting for those numbers to pay off. Jimmy met Shirley Smith at Franklin High School and they were later married on Nov. 12, 1954, in Seattle. Jimmy served in the Navy during the Korean War (1951-1954) and was stationed on the USS Porterfield. Upon his return from Korea, Jimmy and Shirley were married and started their family. They had two children, Doug, in 1956 and Diane, in 1958. The family lived in Seattle for a short time before moving to Redmond, where they lived for the next 30-plus years. The Pelhams knew many friends in Redmond and in a way watched the town become a city. Jimmy helped install the lights that still stand at Hartman Park baseball field and after that spent many years supporting children, including his own son and grandson, as they matured into men on the baseball field.

Jimmy spent 391/2 years employed as a lineman and serviceman for Puget Sound Power and Light (PSE). He was very committed to his work and felt a personal responsibility to serve the customers. In fact, it was not a proper Thanksgiving dinner without Jimmy being called away to restore power that had been knocked out by one of the many notorious Puget Sound windstorms. He made several friends during his years with Puget and held those he worked with in high regard.

After retirement and the passing of his father in 1997, Jimmy and Shirley moved to the family farm in Royal City where they continued the family tradition of raising cows and tending to their garden. Many hours were spent watching the cows and calves. In the garden, Jimmy was particularly proud of his onions, garlic and potatoes.

Jimmy was born on Oct. 7, 1933, in Deadwood, S.D., to William and Hazel Pelham. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Shirley, his son and daughter-in-law Doug and Laurie Pelham, of Woodinville, grandchildren Stephanie Pelham of Olympia, Josh and Juli Pelham of Surprise, Ariz., and Danielle Street of Ukiah, Calif., and great-grandchildren, James and Jacob Pelham (Josh). He is also survived by his brothers, George and Danya, of Marlin, and Bill and JoAnn, of Royal City, sisters, Louise Ryerson, of Bricktown, N.J., Dee Brewer, of Seattle, Faye and Frank Roberto, of Royal City, and Betty and Ralph Barnett, of Valley; and many, many other extended family members. Jimmy was preceded in death by his father and mother, William and Hazel Pelham, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Milend and Louise Smith, daughter Diane "Sis" (Pelham) Street, brother Bob Pelham and sister Lorraine Maines.

The family would like to thank Central Basin Hospice for their dedication and compassion during his final days. At Jimmy's request there will be no service. Also, the family requests no flowers or donations. Instead, spend time with your family or others close to you so they know how important they are. In memory of Jimmy, spend some time telling stories. Services under the direction of Stevens Funeral Chapel in Othello.