Virgil E James

IN LOVING MEMORY
VIRGIL EUGENE JAMES
Virgil Eugene James, of Toppenish, joined hands with his Creator Sunday April 17, 2016. He fought a brief, yet fierce battle, following a sudden illness, to remain here on earth with friends and family. God, however, had other plans for him. He now stands watch over his beloved from above. Virgil entered this world September 1, 1947, in Yakima, WA, born to Nelson James and Violet Hoptowit. He was a proud member of the Yakama Nation. He graduated from White Swan High School in 1965. Virgil enlisted in the Air Force and proudly served from December 1965 until his honorable discharge in February 1969 at the rank of Airman 1st Class. He attended the University of Washington.
For many years Virgil dedicated his professional life to the Yakama Nation as Zoning Administrator. His career kept his finger on the reservation pulse and helped feed his lifelong passion for tribal politics. He championed and gave voice to the downtrodden. Over the years he hosted an incalculable number of town halls and previously served on Tribal Council. He also had served on the Yakama Nation Legends Casino Board of Directors and the Chemawa Indian School Board, Salem, OR.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Sybil, and brother Tracy.
He is survived by his wife Ella Decoteau James, to whom he showed an uncommon devotion, sisters Dorthie James, Janna Price, Cheri Woodruff, daughter Valorie Arquette, son Quinn James, several grandchildren, and his wife's children and grandchildren, including daughters Terry and Dehlia and sons Ray and David and their families who adopted Virgil as their Pops and Grandpa.
We are all saddened to see a great man, and an even greater husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend to many, suddenly depart, yet happily wish Virgil Godspeed on his new journey. During his time here he shared life lessons and provided many memories. His tough love, always tempered by compassion and a big heart, taught many by example. His quick wit always brought a laugh even if it might be his only. Enough duct tape fixed everything. A giant clump of keys often hid inexplicably. Travel mugs, always in hand, were also frequently yet inadvertently left behind. And the most common of items had a potential use, and items bought at Value Village were given special reverence. Please keep your memories alive in your mind and his love locked in your heart.
The family extends a special thanks to the kind and valiant efforts of the doctors, nurses, medics, and staff at Toppenish Community, Yakima Memorial, and Oregon Health & Science University Hospitals, Airlift Northwest, American Medical Response, and all others involved.
A service and viewing to honor Virgil and his life will be held at 9 AM, Thursday, April 21, 2016, at Shaw & Sons Funeral Directors.