James G. "Jim" Washburn

1915 - 2008

ENNIS - James Gustave "Jim" Washburn, age 93, passed away Monday at his home in Ennis.

Jim was born Oct. 4, 1915, in Fort Ethan Allen, Vt., to Maj. James Henry Washburn (USAR) and Sarah Jane Greve Washburn.

Jim attended Ohio State University for two years and graduated from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., with a bachelor's degree in foreign service. He worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. from 1936 until his retirement in 1977, at which time he was district operations manager in San Antonio, Texas. After World War II, while with Goodyear, he and his family served in India for two years and the Philippines for two years.

During World War II, Jim served in the 1st Marine Raider Battalion, the 4th Marine Raider Battalion, then he was a company commander of Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 6th Marine Division in the South Pacific. He served with distinction, earning the Purple Heart, the Navy Citation, the Presidential Citation, the Bronze Star with Valor, the Asiatic Pacific Medal with 5 stars, and the Marine Corps Unit Citation. James was wounded on Okinawa. He was honorably discharged from the USMC with the rank of captain in 1946, and was discharged from the USMC Reserve in 1952 with the rank of major.

Jim and Jane bought a house in Ennis in 1972 and remodeled and added to it over the years. They moved to Ennis fulltime in 1977, although they spent many winters in Texas near some of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Jim leaves many dear friends in Ennis and elsewhere.

Jane Stafford Washburn, his wife of more 68 years, preceded him in death in August 2004 in Ennis.

Survivors include his four children, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The children are Sarah J. Washburn Case of Dallas, Texas, and her husband, Howard Case; James H. Washburn of Oakland, Calif.; Dr. Roy S. Washburn and his wife, Barbara of Dallas, Texas; and Belinda Washburn of Dallas, Texas. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren are Kimberly Case Wallis and her husband, Wade Wallis and their three children, Katherine, James and Matthew Wallis; and Dr. Allison Case (daughters of Sarah J. Case); James Washburn and Jason Washburn (sons of James Washburn); Ned Washburn and Janie Washburn Bruun and her husband, Dane (children of Dr. Roy Washburn).

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at the Madison Valley Cemetery in Ennis, the Rev. Karen Hall officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested any remembrances be made to Meals on Wheels, Ennis, MT 59729.

K&L Mortuaries of Ennis is in charge of arrangements.