James D. Wiuff

November 1, 1929 – February 8, 2021

James D. Wiuff, 91, passed away on Feb. 8, 2021, at the Pete Moore Hospice House in Eugene, Oregon. James was born on Nov. 1, 1929, in Owatonna, Minnesota, to Christian P. Wiuff and Margaret Bedney. He was the second of five children.

He attended local public schools. In 1948, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Larson Air Force Base in Moses Lake, Washington. James had many occupations over the years, focusing on heavy equipment operating and maintenance. He went on a blind date and met his future wife, Mary Louise DeMars. They married in 1950 and were together for 66 wonderful years until Mary’s passing in 2016. Together, they had four children: Teresa, Sheri, David and Jen.

He always had a love for fast machines, racing stock cars, dune buggies and, later in life, snowmobiles. Snowmobiles became his passion; had he discovered them earlier in life he would have raced them as well. He was always wanting to share this love of snowmobiling with anyone. Bryan and Wendy Cole became avid riders. He made many new friendships on the snow. Some of his favorite rides were through Yellowstone National Park, the Cascades, Crescent Lake and Crater Lake, riding well into his 70s.

James was preceded in death by his wife Mary, his son David, his parents, his sister Donna and his brother Jerry. He is survived by his daughters Teresa Wiuff, Sheri Smith and Jennifer Thessin (Tyler); grandchildren Matt and Mark Simmons, Casey and Mackenzie Smith and Adler Thessin; great-grandchildren Rachelle, Cayley, Nolan, Kristopher, Kyle and Kamron; great-great-grandchildren Max and Theo; siblings Carrol Jackson and Vonnie (Keith) Hansen; sisters-in-law Rita DeMars and Deloris DeMars and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Also, he leaves behind his beloved neighborhood. He was the one who was willing to help any. He treasured his friendships with his neighbors, including the ones who had moved and or passed away: the Colemans, the Kintzes, Lee, KC, John, Molly, Robin, David and especially Connor. Being a lifelong NASCAR fan, Dad looked forward to Sunday when Connor would bring lunch and watch the races with him. Dad enjoyed sharing the fun facts of NASCAR with him.

James went by many names: Jim, Dad, Silver Cloud, Jimmy, Uncle Squirrel and his favorite, Papa. His sharp wit and sense of humor will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at a later date due to COVID restrictions.

Donations can be made to The Pete Moore Hospice House, 4010 Country Farm Road, Eugene, OR 97408, Cascadehealth.org We are so thankful to all staff members for all their kindness and compassion in helping our family during this difficult time.

Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com.