James Oliver White

Those who knew him from his childhood and school years knew him as J.O. In his adult years, most knew him as Jim.

Jim was a graduate of Pasco High School in 1965 and Washington State University in 1969. He loved cheering for the Cougs and even kept Coug license plates on his truck.

Jim served three years in the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam and Alaska. After the Army, he spent his career working in the field of environmental health. He retired from the Washington State Department of Health, Office of Environmental Health in 2001. After then, he worked various part time jobs for several years.

Jim loved spending time with family, friends and his mini-schnauzers. He was well known for the pies that he made for every family and neighborhood gathering. People are now asking “who is going to make the pies?”

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Wyoma White.

He is survived by his wife, Anne of 35 years; children, Christopher (Amanda), Elizabeth Barr, Jennifer Keeffe (Dan), Megan Baydo and Margaret Phillips (Sean); 14 grandchildren; and one great-grandson. He is also survived by his sister, Debra Tebay and brother, Charles.

A graveside service will be held Friday, February 27, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Mills and Mills Funeral Home, 5725 Littlerock Rd SW, Tumwater, WA 98512. Reception immediately following.