Benjamin N. James, 84, passed away peacefully the 11th of February, 2019, after suffering complications from COPD. Ben was born on the 4th of December, 1934 in Racine, WI to Donald and Eva James. After graduating from St. Catherine’s High School in Racine, WI, he attended and graduated from Devry Technical Institute in Chicago, IL with a degree in electronics technology. Ben enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Arlington Hall in Arlington, VA. While there he met his future wife, Kathleen. They married on the 11th of June, 1960 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Arlington, VA. After an honorable discharge from the Army, he was hired by the Department of Defense and was stationed in Maryland. While living in Maryland, they were blessed with five children.
In 1979, Ben packed up the family, the dogs, etc. in the old blue station wagon and traveled across the country after transferring to the Yakima Training Center, remaining there until 1991 when he retired. After retirement, Ben took a fun job with the Yakima County Auditor’s office, and continued to work until his health declined. Ben was an avid sports fan, who loved to fish and read, and he loved to bowl.
Ben is survived by Kathleen, his wife of 58 years, his son, Jeff James, and his daughters, Cynthia Campbell, Joellen (Scott) Maybee, Susan Littrell, and Jennifer James, all in the area. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother-in-law Duane (Ann) Owens, of Selah, WA, sister-in-law Janice (Bruce) Tabor of West Linn, OR, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters, Etta Day and Donna Cox.
Services will be held on the 7th of March, 2019 at 2:00 PM at Rainier Memorial Center, 2807 Terrace Heights Drive, Yakima, WA 98901. Burial will take place in Terrace Heights Memorial Park.
A special thanks to the staff at Cottage in the Meadow for their exceptional and compassionate care of our family.