"Jim" Dimitri N. Evanoff

Jim was born in Yakima, WA and grew up in Wapato on the fruit orchard his grandfather had started and his parents continued tending. He attended Parker school through the 4th grade and then spent the rest of his schooling at Wapato. The family was very proud of their Bulgarian roots and, as Jim stated, “they were a very close family and although orcharding was a 7 day a week job, the weekends were set aside for family time.”

He met Shirlee Patnode at Wapato High School and they began dating their senior year. He married Shirlee, his high school sweetheart, and they were married for 24 happy years. They continued their friendship throughout his life. Jim went to YVC and then WSU to become a civil engineer. He put his skills to work at the Washington State Highway Department for over 25 years. But his true love was the apple orchard and he would spend his time walking the grounds and tending to every weed or piece of fruit that needed some TLC. We can all see him walking among the trees, sun on his face, with a peacefulness that comes only from something you truly love. We were spoiled to always have the freshest fruits and vegetables on our table.

Jim was very involved in the Union Gap community, including volunteering for the Fire Department and City Council. Another love was the endless hours he spent coaching the local girls fast pitch teams and traveling to tournaments throughout the state. He coached all of his “Kids.”

Jim was a kind and brilliant man. He had a curiousness about life and read any flyer, newspaper or magazine that he could get his hands on. He always wanted to know more. He gave his children many of these gifts.

He is survived by his children Dana Swanson, Dimitri Evanoff, and Stacy Kellogg; his grandchildren Meghan Swanson, Miranda Swanson, Hunter Kellogg and Wyatt Kellogg; his brother Richard Evanoff and wife Judy; and his ex-wife and friend, Shirlee Bilger.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ada Evanoff, and his brother, Nick Evanoff.

The family will hold a private burial and memorial to honor Jim’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made directly to the Yakima Union Gospel Mission in his honor or through Keith and Keith Funeral Home.

The family would like to shed light on the stigma associated with mental illness and hope that it will someday be treated as any other physical illness, deserving of equal coverage, access and respect.