Jim passed away on Monday, October 12, 2015 at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Wash.
He was born on May 19, 1930 to Fred and Lora Pettyjohn in their home on lower Willow Creek, just outside of Ione.
Jim was the youngest of 7 children. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, Gertrude Graves & Hazel Hynd; 4 brothers, Claude, Clyde, Earl & Ellis.
He was a longtime resident of Morrow County. He attended grade school at Ione where he met his sweetheart and future loving wife, Lola Ann McCabe. Jim was active in sports and loved to play basketball.
Together Jim and Lola graduated high school at Ione in 1950.
They eloped to Reno Nevada and were married on September 8, 1950. They lived and farmed on their Rhea Creek ranch just out of the Ione area, where they raised their 4 children.
After retiring from farming Jim and Lola moved to John Day where they operated a Weed & Pest Control Company.
Eventually they settled in McNary at Umatilla. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with family and friends.
Survivors include his wife, Lola and their 4 children: Earl & Karen of Anchorage, Alaska; Linda & Larry Groce of Boardman; Jerry of Heppner; & Nancy Lancaster of Oak Harbor, WA.; and 7 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Irrigon Adventist Church.
Please sign the guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
