James Donald Blevins

surrounded by his loving family in their home.

Jim was born on June 24, 1937, in the rural town of Buffalo Springs, Texas, to Mert and Hazel

Blevins. His family moved often in search of work and opportunity, eventually making their way

to Selah, Washington, where Jim would meet the love of his life, Janie Burrell.

Jim and Janie first met as young kids in the seventh grade. As Jim’s family continued to travel

for seasonal work, the two stayed connected through letters and phone calls. Eventually, Jim

made the decision to stay, planting his roots in Selah and marrying his soulmate, Janie, on

September 27, 1958. Their enduring love brought them their greatest joy: their daughter, Julie

(Tinker).

Hardworking to his core, Jim dedicated 32 years to Central Pre-Mix as an Operating Engineer.

When he wasn’t working, and especially after retirement, you could most often find him on the

golf course, enjoying his favorite pastime. As a longtime member of Yakima Elks Lodge #318,

Jim found lifelong friends and golfing buddies with whom he traveled throughout the West

Coast, playing beautiful courses and sharing their love of the game. Winning the Yakima Elks

318 Men’s Club Championship in 1992, twice winning the Yakima Elks 318 Senior Club

championship in 1996 and 2001, and recording two hole-in-ones were among his proudest

golfing accomplishments.

When he wasn’t on the golf course, Jim was happiest spending time with his family, enjoying

music played by his brothers-in-law, bowling, fixing anything that needed fixing, and never

missing a game played by two of his favorite teams, the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles

Lakers.

Jim was a man of few words, but he never failed to show you how he felt about you. His life

centered around his family, especially “his girls”—his wife, daughter, and granddaughter—of

whom he was endlessly proud. In his quiet way, he was a steady source of encouragement to

those around him. He had a gift for seeing something in you that you sometimes could not yet

see in yourself.

Later in life, Jim was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, and those he had spent a lifetime

loving and caring for were given the opportunity to return that same love and care to him. His

was a humble life built on hard work, simple joys, loyalty, and deep love for family. That was

Jim Blevins: a quiet, steadfast example of a life well lived.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Mert and Hazel Blevins; his brothers, Frank “Wendell”

Blevins and Raymond Blevins; and his sisters, Norma “Jean” Griest and Daniella Blevins.

He is survived by Janie Blevins (Burrell), his beloved wife of nearly 68 years; his daughter, Julie

Stillwaggon (Chuck); his granddaughter, Emily Heaverlo (Jordan); and his two great

granddaughters, Campbell and Lucie Heaverlo, and sister Beverly White.

In accordance with Jim’s wishes, he will be laid to rest in a private burial.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate nursing staff at

MultiCare, Dr. Park for the kindness and care shown to Jim, and the home hospice staff who

treated him and his family with such care, dignity, and empathy during his final days and Rinda

Mills.

A very special thank-you goes to Jim’s extended family, Lynda Stokes and Lori Anderson, and

to his brother-in-law Jim Burrell and wife Wanda, for the extraordinary love and support they

gave during these final weeks. We love you more!

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Jim’s memory to consider making a

donation to Lewy Body Dementia Society or Washington Elks Therapy Program for Children.

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in

small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’”

— Matthew 25:23