Langevin • El Paraiso Funeral Home
James, beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather went home to be with his Lord in heaven. We celebrate his life.
He spent his early years in Siloam Springs, Arkansas until he moved to Tieton, Washington at the age of 16 with his mother. In his youth he was convicted of sin and turned from it to God and trusted on Jesus for his salvation. He was married to Carol Peterson, with whom he raised 4 children; she preceded him in death. He married a widower, Juanita Adams, whom he is survived by. He loved her children as his own. They were married 45 years.
His desire as he came to see the abundant grace of Jesus in saving him was to share that message of good news with all those around him. He worked at a box factory in Naches and shared the truth with co-workers and patrons alike. He labored in prayer for his family and neighbors that they would see Jesus as their own hope for salvation, from sin and death. He was a gifted speaker and enjoyed entertaining those around him with poems or memorized portions of scripture. James enjoyed God’s creation and was instantly a boy again when fishing even when his wife out fished him. James also had an incredible work ethic. He was a skilled carpenter, who built homes and churches. He pastored and ministered in many churches throughout the state sharing the gospel. However, he was clearly not perfect, as loved ones can attest, but one thing they are assured of is that he loved them well. Today, he stands perfected by the saving grace of Jesus. This too would be his desire for you, that you know that you also can experience salvation. Therefore you too can stand before God, holy and blameless.
James is preceded in death by his first wife Carol Layne, son Rickie, grandson David, and granddaughter Teresa.
He is survived by his wife Juanita Layne, sister Mary (Kenneth) Poole, sons Jerry (Mary) Layne, and Jim (Connie) Layne, daughters Linda (Jerry) Goodman, Geneva (Duane) Frazier, Donna (Larry) Richardson, Joyce Tabor, Vicki Munson, and Peggy (Tony) Drake, grandchildren, their children’s children, nieces, nephews and friends.
Viewing will be held at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home on Thursday, June 20th from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. A Celebration of life will be held Friday, June 21st at 10:30 a.m. at Heights “East Valley” Foursquare Church, 101 Butterfield Rd., Terrace Heights, Yakima, with a burial service to follow at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. After burial, everyone is invited to share in food and memories at Rainier Memorial Center, 2807 Terrace Heights Drive, Yakima.
In honor of our father’s giving spirit memorials contributions can be made to The Union Gospel Mission. To share a memory of James please visit www.Lepfuneralhome.com.
