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Obituary for James "Jim" Bley
Former long-time Happy Camp resident James Albert Bley (90) of Brookings, OR, died September 23, 2013 of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Jim was born in Burbank, CA on January 11, 1923 to Paul and Enid Bley. Jim married Geraldine Bostian in 1953 and the couple had five children: John Bley (Carol), Robert Bley (Rosie), Erin Bley, Rick Bley and Elaine Johnson (Danny). He also had two-step children, Johnny Dunaway (Mary) and Doris Villarreal (Joe). For well over fifty years, Jim worked as a log scaler, timber cruiser and forest manager in the forests of “the great State of Jefferson” as he often fondly called the northern California/southern Oregon area. He worked in places such as Westwood, Salyer, Burnt Ranch, Forks of Salmon, and Happy Camp throughout his long and adventurous career. Jim moved to Happy Camp in 1958. Some years later, he relocated to Brookings, OR, in 1982 where he met the love of his life, Evelyn Brown. The two had many joyous years together until Evie’s death in 2011. Jim lived a full life, and was predeceased in death by his sisters Florence and Isabella, his wife Geraldine, brother Kenneth, daughter Erin, his companion of 30 years Evelyn Brown, and grandson Jacob Roberts. Jim had a passion for playing chess and was a self-described “Chess-Nut”. He was a Mason and Shriner and was a three-time past master of the Chetco Shrine Club. A philosopher at heart, Jim enjoyed engaging discussions about religion and science. He was always jovial to be around and he was a kind and generous soul to everyone he met. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Jim is survived by his four children and two step-children: John, Bob, Rick and Elaine; Johnny and Doris; his sister-in-law Marjorie, 19 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren. At Jim’s request, there will be no services. Also at his request, the family would like remembrances be made in lieu of flowers to Jim’s favorite charity, The Shriners Hospital, C/O Chetco Shrine Club, P.O. Box 1328, Brookings, OR, 97415.
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