Our beloved dad, James Wallace “Jimmy” Michael, passed away on Oct. 13, 2024.
He was brought into this world on March 9, 1947 and lovingly raised in Pendleton by his parents, Norma and Wally Michael.
His life was filled with many wonderful memories with his siblings, Ann Schiene, Pam Harris, Jeff Michael and Sonya Reedy.
In 1965, Dad graduated from Pendleton High and he was a proud Buckaroo, lettering in both basketball and tennis. He attended Blue Mountain Community College, where his career in building design began. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers hired him out of college and a few years later he moved to Hermiston to work for Marlette Homes. Eventually Michael Building and Design was created and he became a designer extraordinaire.
During the summer of 1967, Dad married our beautiful mom, the love of his life, Catherine Marie Ely. Jodi Ann Scheyer arrived in March of ‘71, and the title “Dad” was bestowed upon him. He wore that hat well and five years later in November ‘75, Heather Michelle Spike was born.
He was a man of many passions and rodeo was THE one. In the early ‘90s he joined the board of directors for Farm City Pro Rodeo, and this new endeavor became his zeal. Designing the rodeo grounds was one the proudest accomplishments of his career. Each time we visit Chute 8, we will raise our glass to our beloved cowboy!
Family was his everything and he loved his grandchildren, Ella, Hans, Ava, and Finn with all of his heart. They have all been blessed with the greatest memories with their Papa that will be cherished always. Dad embraced Warner Scheyer and Andy Behling as if they were his own sons. They were his accomplices in many mischievous moments, especially sneaking away for a yummy breakfast.
“Oh the last goodbye is the hardest one to say, and this is where our cowboy rides away.” (George Strait)
Always in our hearts.
A memorial will be on Nov. 9, 2024 at Farm City Pro Rodeo, Chute 8 at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Friends of the Fair and Rodeo, Inc., 975 S.E. Fourth St., Hermiston, Ore., 97838.
