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Jim Aust, son of the late Willie and Jean Aust, and Debbie Cook, daughter of the late Elmer and DeLaura Cook, were married on June 30, 1973, and will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary next week.
After graduating from Napavine High School, Jim entered the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the U.S.S. Ticonderoga, completing two tours off the coast of Vietnam during his active duty.
Debbie graduated from Mount St. Helens High School in Winlock and attended Centralia College where she earned a degree in secretarial science and accounting.
Jim worked at Cardinal Door in Centralia upon his return to civilian life. Eventually, he learned to drive a logging truck, which he did for over 30 years until his retirement in 2013. Debbie worked at the Washington State Highway Department until their first child was born.
The couple raised three children, Ryan and twin daughters Christy and Adele. Debbie later worked for her parents’ trucking company before going to work at Centralia College. While working full-time at Centralia College, she also earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and upon graduation went to work for the Washington State Patrol until she retired in 2019.
Jim enjoys working in their yard and model railroading, while Debbie enjoys quilting and is a member of the Veterans Memorial Museum Quilts of Valor Group.
Taking advantage of their retirement, they have recently begun to travel. They’ve enjoyed destinations as close as Leavenworth, where they went snowmobiling, and as far away as Alaska, a cruise that is coming up shortly. Many more destinations are in their future.
The couple have five grandchildren: Kyler Aust, Hayden and Logan Fisher and Ashlynn and Lucas Barborinas. They treasure every moment they spend with them.
