James Arthur Geike

He attended St. Aloysius grade school and graduated from Lisbon High School in 1960.

James joined the Air Force and was stationed at James Connally Air Force Base in Texas. He worked as an orderly medic and enjoyed driving an ambulance and doing minor surgeries. He was honorably discharged in 1961.

He later moved to Washington and graduated from YVCC with an AA in electronics in 1974.

James married Vangie (Walsh) Geike in 1964 in a double wedding with her twin sister Angie and Art Goldade.

James worked for Yakima County Public Works for 22 years and retired in 2000 due to throat cancer.

He had many hobbies and belonged to the Genealogical Society, the Rock Club and the Laryngeal Cancer Survivors Club. He was an avid reader and photographer and loved trips to the ocean. He attended both Holy Family and St. Paul’s and was a Eucharistic minister for the homebound. His children inherited his passions and faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gerald Geike. He is survived by his siblings, Jeanne Underwood, Edward Geike, Lawrence (OkSun) Geike and Susan (Dennis) Lyon; his wife, Vangie of 53 years; his children, Brenda (Ron) Stiles, James (Amanda) Geike, Annie Geike, Jeremy (Crystal) Geike, Terese Geike and Rose (Rob) Erickson—all who claim to be his favorite; his 16 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren and best cat friend Buffy.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family wishes to thank the Virginia Mason Memorial Hospice nurses and Dr. David Doornink and staff for their compassionate care. To share a memory of James visit www.lepfuneralhome.com.

“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished; that will be the beginning.” –Louis L’Amour