Merle Jack James

Merle Jack James passed away Jan. 19, 2010, at his home in Gold Beach, with his family at his side. He was 74.

Jack, as family and friends knew him, was born Oct. 14, 1935, in Molalla, to Jack and Elma (Ivie) James Humphreys. 

He grew up in the Detroit/Santiam area, graduating from Detroit High School.  Jack served two years in the U.S. Navy before moving to Alaska in 1965.

He began what would be a 32-year career with Louisiana Pacific, later known as the Ketchikan Pulp Co. He held various positions there over the years, retiring as a boom operator, where his status as the eldest operator earned him the nickname “Moses.” 

Jack married Linda Currit in Ketchikan on October 8, 1970. 

Following retirement, he and Linda moved to Curry County, first to Brookings and then, in 1998, to Gold Beach. Jack enjoyed camping, fishing and, in his younger years, hunting.  After moving to Gold Beach, he enjoyed bird watching in his backyard – he even kept written record of the birds he observed. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a hard-working, gentle provider for his family and will be missed greatly.

Survivors include his wife, Linda, of Gold Beach; daughters Joy Armour of Port Orchard, Wash., Jackelyn James of Gold Beach, Jessica Walker of Gold Beach; son Jean Louis James of Marietta, Ohio; grandchildren Adam Dempsey, Corton James, Joseph James, Jordan Walker, Shawna Lange, Crystal Dempsey, Julianna Walker, Shawntel James and Rosalee Damron; great-grandchildren Kristen and Casey Lange and Jasmine Dempsey; brother and sister-in-law Earl and Dorothy Humphreys of Portland; sister Dorothea Humphreys of Turner; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Robert and Teresa Currit of Thorne Bay, Alaska, Ronald and Vicki Currit of Thorne Bay, Alaska, Susan and Pat Bethel of Ketchikan, Alaska. 

Jack was preceded in death by his parents and his stepfather, George Humphreys.

Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Curry County Hospice, PO Box 382, Gold Beach, OR 97444.

A memorial will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.redwoodmemorial.net.