James Edward Gunn

Aka “King Cobra”

James “Jimmy” fondly known by his handle “King Cobra,” passed away suddenly while working overseas in American Samoa, doing what he loved—teaching others how to properly drill water wells. His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Jimmy was born and raised in Salem, Oregon, to parents Raymond and Marjorie Gunn. He was one of several siblings, including Tom, Nancy, John, Alice, and his half siblings Betty, Raymond Jr, and Donald.

Jimmy’s early education began at The Little Red School House, right next door to his childhood home. He later attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School, and then went on to North Salem High School.

After high school, Jimmy began his career as a welder at a steel works company in Portland, before moving on to work for Bello Well Drilling. He then spent many years with Sippel Well Drilling, where his skill, work ethic, and knowledge made a lasting impact. Eventually, he started his own company, Capital Well Drilling, proudly running it for a time before accepting a position with the American Samoa Power Authority in 2018. There, he shared his expertise, teaching others the right way to drill water wells . He formed many close friendships with those he worked with, some even considered him as part of their own families. His teachings will be a legacy that will live on.

Jimmy was a man of many talents. He loved both archery and rifle hunting, fishing, camping, and riding his motorcycle. A true outdoorsman. His greatest passion was hunting deer and elk. His legendary marksmanship could take down an elk at 1,100 yards with a single shot — his own personal superpower. He was also an avid speed skater, winning trophies in his youth, and an unbeatable Mario Kart player — if you knew him, you knew no one could top him at that game. Jimmy also participated in the destruction derby at the fairgrounds during 4th of July festival in Salem few times.

Though Catholic by faith, he was non-practicing, but he held tightly to family traditions. One beloved ritual was saying “Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit” on the first day of every month — a tradition started by his father and continued by the family.

Jimmy was known for his bravery, fearlessness, generosity, intelligence, and selflessness. He was the person who could fix or build “everything.” Above all, he was devoted to his family, which he considered his greatest achievement. The most important moment in his life was the birth of his daughter, Rachel Gunn , who was the light of his world.

In his younger years, Jimmy was married to Debbie Baker for 10 years, their paths later diverged. Then, Jimmy met Cheryl, the love of his life at a mutual friend’s house. And, as the story goes, from the first time he saw her he fell off his bike — and the rest was history. They were together since 1987, and married in 2002

with their beautiful daughter being born in 2003. Together building a life full of love and family memories.

Jimmy’s legacy lives on in the lives of those he taught, the wells he drilled, the family he cherished, and the countless stories shared around campfires and hunting trips. Jimmy took pride in protecting his family. And he was loved by everyone!

He will be remembered always for his larger-than-life personality, his skill, his stories, and the way he made everyone around him feel like family.

Jimmy is survived by his wife Cheryl Gunn, daughter Rachel Gunn, his sisters Nancy and Alice , and a large extended family and circle of friends who loved him deeply.⸻ He is preceded in death by his his parents Raymond, and Marjorie Gunn and his brothers Tom, John, Raymond Jr, Donald, and his sister Betty.