James “Wayne” Chambers passed away on Oct. 30, 2011, of natural causes at his home with his wife of 60 years by his side.
He was born on Feb. 10, 1926, in Highland Valley to Steward and Fauna Chambers.
He attended Morton High School. He quit school in 1944 to join the Army Air Force. In 1947, he returned to graduate after completing his tour of duty.
He married Gloria Y. Wilson of Kosmos on March 18, 1950, at the Methodist Chapel in Morton.
He worked for Hobbs Grocery for 28 years as the store’s butcher and worked for 12 years at Tubafor Mill before retiring.
During his retirement, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and grandsons. His grandchildren enjoyed the many wooden puzzles and whirly gigs he crafted for them.
He was instrumental in returning the salmon fishery to the Tilton River along with Bill Partridge, Gene Carver, Dick Studhalter and Michael Tiller.
He was a life member of the American Legion, Lumber and Sawmill Workers union and a charter member of the Lutheran Church in Morton.
He loved his family and will be missed by his many family and friends. His grandchildren were very special to him.
He is survived by his sons, Donald (Pam) Chambers of Chehalis, David (Christie) Chambers of Morton; grandchildren Heidi Malpass of England, Gretchen Armstrong of Centralia, Alyssa Chambers of Burien, Breanna Wasson of Newsom, Va., Brooks Chambers of Morton, and Eric Greiter of Morton and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Edna Tiller, Nola Gleason and Julia Taylor.
A memorial service and potluck will be Saturday, Nov. 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Morton Senior Center, 103 E. Westlake Ave.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Eastern Lewis County Hospital Foundation, PO Box 1132, Morton, WA 98356
Brown Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
