James A. Calhoun

James Albert Calhoun, 84, of Yakima died suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday, August 22, 2016. Jim was born on July 26, 1932 to David F. Calhoun and Dessie M. (Lee) Calhoun in Atchison, Kansas. He moved with his family to the Wapato, WA area as a child of 6 or 7 where he attended Wapato schools. It was there that Carmen Baker caught his attention and they married in 1953. Of this union one son, Steve, was born. Jim was a strong, hardworking man. In his early years, he worked alongside of his father in the orchards always trying to pick faster than the next guy. For most of his adult life, Jim worked for Weyerhaeuser and Longview Fiber in both Union Gap and Lacey, WA, retiring in the early 1980's. It was during his years at Longview Fiber that he bought the orchard in Wapato where he lived and farmed for more than 25 years and which is currently being farmed by his son Steve and grandson Tim. In 1996, Jim married Sally Marcum and with that marriage gained 9 step-children who welcomed him into their family. This October, Jim and Sally would have celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. Jim had a ready smile and a warm heart. He enjoyed breeding and raising quarter horses and was always delighted when a new foal was born. Jim loved to hunt, and many happy memories were made in the mountains with his son and grandchildren. He loved being with his grandchildren and rarely missed one of their sporting events. He was so looking forward to Kurt's Eastern Washington University and Brian's Zillah High School football games this season! He was also an avid fan of the San Francisco 49ers and the Univ. of Washington Huskies.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Don Calhoun, and sister Ruth (Calhoun) Elliott. He is survived by his wife Sally Calhoun of Yakima, brother Larry (Joyce) Calhoun of Yakima, son Steve (Nancy) Calhoun of Wapato and their children Laura Calhoun Williams, Tim (Heather) Calhoun, Carrie Calhoun, Hannah (Josh) Holder, Molly (Jon) Hainline, Kurt Calhoun and Brian Calhoun and 7 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his stepchildren: Joe Lennartz and his children Josh, Sheila, and Patrick; Greg Lennartz and his children Danny, Jeremy, Anngla, and Jerica; Tess Kukes and her children James and Beverly; Michael Lennartz and his stepsons Robby, Joseph, and Brian; Anita (Ron) Moe and their daughter Chandra; Kathy (Randy) Stump and their children Teddy, Jason, Ashley, and Derek; Chris (John) Dickman and her children Jason and LeAnna; Richard Counts and his sons Richard Jr. and Forrest; Robert (Kathy) Counts and their son Jaydon; and son-in-law Jack Anderson.