Harvey Boyd James

Harvey Boyd James (69) of Wapato, WA passed away May 30, 2016 unexpectedly while marching his last march in Washington DC as a result of a heart attack. Harvey born July 19, 1946 to Thompson and Marie (Craig) James.

Harvey a longtime resident of Wapato and graduated from Wapato High School in 1964. Harvey was a proud Vietnam Veteran, serving in the United States Marine Corps with 338 Platoon from March 1967 – March 1970, bravely earning the following medals: Purple Heart, Navy Achievement Medal with combat “V”, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Actions Color, 1st Class) Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Rifle Sharpshooter Badge.

Later in life after proudly serving his tours in the Marines he met the love of his life Melissa Jim and they married on December 5, 1970 and were blessed with three children. Harvey retired from the BIA forestry division. Harvey was a father figured to those who needed one and his warm hugs will be greatly missed by all. He was truly a loving gentleman with a huge heart.

Harvey is survived by his loving wife Melissa James (Wapato, WA), his son Thomas (Rachel) James of Hardin, MT and his daughter Maureena (Lynn) LaRoque of Toppenish, WA, ten grandchildren, Elijah James, Sean Ray James, Thomas James, Tommilynn James, Joshua James, LaHoma LaRoque, Melissa LaRoque, Tommionna James, James LaRoque, and Shawn LaRoque. The family would also like to acknowledge Harvey and Melissa’s adopted kids Chris Scott, Richard Sohappy Jr., Jeanne Smiskin, Shawn Manjarrez, Stacey Mamizuka, Rhonda Redhorn, Saraine Owens, and newly adopted Francene Ambrose. Harvey and Melissa also had a goddaughter, Shekinah FallsDown of Lodge Grass, Montana, and an adopted grandson, Robert Gutierrez of White Swan, WA. He is also survived by siblings Joe James, Ray (Tucelia) James of Wapato, WA, and Jeanette Eyle of Tacoma, WA.

Harvey will now meet up again with family who have gone on before him, which were his parents Thompson and Marie Craig, brothers William James and Thompson James Jr., sisters Alvina Dillon, Marie James and Bettie James, a daughter, Cynthia James, his adopted daughter LaHoma Brown, a grandson and namesake Harvey Boyd LaRoque.

Harvey lived by the motto of God, Family, and Corps. Once a Marine always a Marine. Oorah Sgt. James.

Dressing service Friday at 1:00 pm at Merritt Funeral Home. Overnight service to follow at All Tribes Center. Burial on Saturday, June 4 at Reservation Memorial Community Park.

Arrangements under the direction of Merritt Funeral Home, Wapato, WA.