James Eric Person Sr.

James Eric Person Sr. of Selah, WA, age 79, joined his love and best friend Bea in Heaven on June 10, 2015. Jim passed in his home surrounded by loved ones. Jim was born in Roundup, MT on October 24, 1935.

Jim joined the Army in 1953 and volunteered for the draft in 1954. He served in the Army Transportation Corps from 1954 to 1956. Jim and Mickie married in 1956. After leaving the Army, he worked at Boeing for a short time before working for Armstrong Construction in Auburn, WA. In the early 1960’s, Jim established Person and Person Homes. Jim and Mickie welcomed three children, James Person Jr., Cory Person and Kimberly Person. Kim passed away in a tragic accident March of 1979. Later, in the early 1980’s, he purchased the ranch in the Wenas Valley and a bowling alley in Auburn, WA. A memorial fund was established through the bowling alley in memory of Kim to the Children’s Hospital.

Jim and Mickie later divorced in 1993. He continued to live and build his life at the ranch. In 1997, his granddaughter Erica Naasz moved over to be raised by him for many years. Jim enjoyed spending time with all his grandchildren. He encouraged sports, horseback riding, schooling and loads of fun. He spent many hours pulling them on the train he built and later donated it to the Central Washington State Fair.

Then Jim met Bea, his rock and the only person to keep him in line. They married on their farm September of 2002. Bea and Jim shared many passions together including raising their horses, cattle and dogs. Most of their time was spent keeping up with the farm. When they weren’t haying or riding they would travel all over the U.S. enjoying places, landmarks and scenery. Unfortunately Jim lost his love on October 2014. Jim was a strong and stubborn man with a heart of gold. He would rush to anyone’s needs and is greatly missed by many.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife Bea, father Edwin, mother Hallie and daughter Kim. He is survived by his brothers Bob, Jerry and Larry Person; sisters Patricia Pope and Margaret Kellog; sons Jim Jr. and Cory Person; grandchildren Erica Naasz, Kindal, James, Ashli and Zack Person; two great-grandchildren and many dear friends and relatives.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 18, 2015 at Keith and Keith Funeral Home. To share a memory of Jim visit www.keithandkeith.com. Keith & Keith Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.