Robert Bob Vernon James

Bob was born in El Monte, CA to Vernon James and Dorothy Monks James on October 16, 1928. He graduated from Las Gatos High in CA, joined the Marines Corps the end of WWII and then also a short time during the Korean War. He worked for his dad at James Rare Plant Nursery while attending San Jose State to obtain his engineering degree. As a result of that training he always had beautiful yards.

On September 8, 1956 he married Joan Marlene Moore and began their family three years later by adopting Julie Ann from Korea. The family drove up the Alcan Highway to Anchorage, Alaska in 1962 and Bob was able to get his first engineering job. They experienced a 9.3 earthquake in 1964 and added another daughter to their tribe, Jinee Lee from Korea. Bob continued his education in Vancouver, WA; Port Angeles, WA, Lodi, CA. The family grew once more with adopted son, Jeffrey Robert from the Filipino Community in Stockton, CA. Bob was hired at Salem Electric in 1976 where he retired 1992 as Operations Manager and Engineer Supervisor.

Bob always had a project going. Proving “if one can read one can do anything” he built beautiful furniture, a Mustang airplane, and a 1932 reproduction of an 18 ft. Chris Craft; and restored two cars and a 1944 military jeep. Bob was also very active in the Salem Downtown Lions Club for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Joan, of 56 years; daughter, Julie (Mark) of Salem, Jinee of Monmouth; and son, Jeff (Jennifer); grandsons, Tyler and Aaron of Camp Leujuene, NC; his beloved rescue dog, Sadie; and the other family dog, Sammy, also misses him. He also leaves behind his sister, Bonnie Bergmann of Livermore, CA and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service with military honors and a reception to follow will be held on April 19, 2013 at 1pm at Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors. To leave audio or online condolences please visit www.HED-FH.com. Donations can be made in his name to Willamette Valley Hospice or a charity of choice.