James Keith (Jimmy Keith) Vandever died on Feb. 10, 2026 at the age of 70.
He was born on Oct. 1, 1955 in Hanford, Calif.
Jimmy Keith was born to Keith and Jimmie Vandever the first of four boys. James grew up in California and New Mexico until the family settled in Oregon.
James served in the Army for four years. During his time there he met the love of his life, Sandra (Sandy), and the two were later married on Sept. 11, 1975. After he left the service they settled back in Hermiston and started their family. They were blessed with two rambunctious boys, the late Jermey Vandever and Darcy Vandever.
James loved his family fiercely, there was no denying that. He enjoyed the outdoors – hunting and fishing, gardening and walks – but most of all he loved watching his family grow. He was known to be strong and stoic, but underneath that rough exterior was a heart of gold.
James worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for 20-plus years. During his time with Union Pacific, he loved taking his kids, nieces and nephews out to see the trains. It’s a very fond memory for all of them. After retirement he spent his time chasing around the six grandchildren his boys blessed him with – Madison, Avery, Leelynn, Blake, Gentry and Oakley. Out of all the hats he wore over the years, being “Papa“ was the role he was most proud of .
James is survived by his son, Darcy Vandever; his six grandchildren; and his brothers, Joe, Steve and Jerry.
While our hearts are sad that he is gone because no amount of time is ever enough, we find peace in knowing he was met at heaven’s gates by his son Jermey and his beloved wife Sandra.
A private family celebration will be held.
Please share memories of James with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
