James Berton “Jim” Piper passed away with his family by his side on Nov. 29, 2017 in Richland, Wash. at the age of 77.
He was born on March 9, 1940 in New Plymouth, Idaho to Jim and Hannah Piper.
He graduated from Hermiston High School in the class of 1958. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served for 20 years, retiring as a TSgt. After 20 years of moving around with the military, the family returned to Hermiston in 1978. Jim worked at Lamb Weston for a short time before enrolling in the diesel mechanic program at Blue Mountain Community College. He completed the program and worked for J.R. Simplot for 10 years before moving to Irrigon, where he raised calves. He married Ethelyn Doney and they later divorced. Jim married Hermie Jackson on Dec. 10, 1984 in Irrigon. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and his flowers and garden. Jim was a member of VFW Post #4750.
He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Hermie Piper; sons, Greg (Beth) Piper, Scott (Suzanne) Feeney, and Roger Jackson; daughters, Lorie (Cory) Clark, Jeanne (Paul) Dohrmann, Michelle Piper, Cheryl Hammon, Kathy Piper, Shirley (Gary) David, Joyce (Tony) Carollo, Wanda (Blaine) Johnson, and Kathy (Joe) Chandler; sister, Gladys Walker, 32 grandchildren; 48 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Hannah Piper; brothers, Gene and Donny; and son, Brian.
A celebration of life service with military honors will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017 at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
A private burial will be at Desert Lawn Memorial Cemetery, Irrigon.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
