Edward Charles James, 68, of Wapato, passed away in his sleep on February 4, 2011. He was born at home in Fayetteville, N.C., to Eddie James and Lucille Smith James on 4/19/1942, the eldest of four children. Because they were a military family, Edward moved often. In his youth, his parents instilled in him the importance and love of learning. His mother bought him a set of encyclopedias that he read A to Z, and his father took him to historical sites all over the world, fostering his passion for history. In 1959 Edward went with his father to live in Germany, remaining until 1964. Friendships developed there have lasted his lifetime.

On 6/26/1966, Edward married the love of his life, Mary Cecil Johnson. The ceremony was delayed 2 hours until his father arrived from a tour of duty in Korea. After their marriage they lived in Tacoma near the university where they met. His daughter Kirstin was born there and made her stage debut on campus at nine months of age. Her bedtime stories were whatever University text her father happened to be studying, be it Chinese language and culture, Roman army formations, or stage lighting. In 1974, Edward graduated from Central Washington University with BA, majoring in military history with a double minor in anthropology and theatre.

The family lived in Ellensburg from 1973 through 1990, where Edward began his career as a forest warden and then forest fire-fighting crew supervisor with DNR that continued until his retirement in 2005. Moving to Wapato in 1990, Edward became active with friends he met in the Yakama Nation. As one of Virginia Beavert's first students at Heritage University, he learned to speak the Yakama dialect of the Sahaptin language, and eventually taught classes. Edward was an associate member and Historian of the Yakama Warriors Association and the Marine Corps League. He took these commitments extremely seriously and considered it a true honor to be associated with these groups and share his knowledge of military history.

Edward is survived by his parents, 1st Sgt. E.8. Eddie and Lucille James of Puyallup; his beloved wife, Mary James of Wapato; a daughter, Kirstin James of Wapato and Manchester, England; two brothers, Robert James of Orting, and Larry James of Puyallup; a sister, Susie Vinson of North Carolina; longtime, close family friends Dick and Ina (Opp) Forward of Munich, Germany; and a large extended family and many friends both here and abroad. Edward's larger than life presence and laughter will be missed by all.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Record from Feb. 7 to Feb. 14, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward James

12 Entries

Mary C. James

February 1, 2025

Dear Steve: What a blessing to read your messages, one a year later, and to re-read your 2011 message. Ed would be pushing his 83 birthday this 25th year of the 21st Century. Kirstin and I miss him daily and your words are gift this evening. Take good care, Mary

Beverly James (mcgilberry)

February 1, 2024

My sweet Uncle Sonny,I will forever remember you!

Steve Warnaca

February 1, 2023

I look back now as a 41 year old man and remember Ed. How much of an individual he was and how much he inspired me. He was the first person (when I was a young man) to tel me "embrace YOU" and, "it is okay to be different". Man oh man. I miss you Ed! You changed my life! Thank you sir for being you!!!

Steve Warnaca

December 12, 2011

I met Ed when I was a young punk kid with tattoos and stretched ears. He was my supervisor fighting wildland fires. At first, I was blown away by his eccentric personality, but as soon as that faded, it's his heart that really amazed me.

Ed was a great man who stood up fro what he thought was right, no matter who thought he was wrong. He spoke of his wife with a reverance that I will never forget.

As a supervisor, he taught me to always do the right thing, even and especially when no one was watching. He told me, "dance like no one's watching, and work like someone is watching."

I'll never forget the long, gray pony tail or the green sweat stained felt hat, or his slow, deliberate southern drawl. I'll also never forget his kindness and willingness to accept me for who I was, no matter how much of a punk I was.

Ed helped shape me into the man I have become, a Police Officer in the Capital City of Alaska. Thank you Ed James, and to your family, thank you and I'm very sorry for your loss. We all lost a great man.
-Steve Warnaca

Mary James

March 6, 2011

Dearest Friends in Ellensburg and Cle Elum:

In late January, Edward and I took my mother for a drive from Ellensburg to Cle Elum. Rather than take the freeway, Edward choose the "back roads" that he knew from his "forest warden" days.

We drove by farms and ranches, pioneer cemetaries, and areas where he had helped put out small fires. We passed by the Cle Elum DNR station as we came into town.

Edward told us stories and Mom who is not well really enjoyed those stories, making comments back to Edward as we went.

We didn't know that this drive would be his last visit to places he loved so much, or we might have stopped and knocked on a few doors to say hello. But in a way, Edward was saying hello to his many friends, those still there, and those he has joined now.

Thank you for the memories you have shared.

Mary and Kirstin James

Karen Mather

February 11, 2011

I met Edward while working at Internal Medicine (Dr. Johnson's)in Ellensburg. He would tell me such interesting stories while getting his blood work. I always learned something. He always had a smile and zest for life. He will be missed greatly.

timothy vinson

February 11, 2011

my uncle was a man larger than life,his dignity,his wisdom,and caring stern message was always achieve the most you can with the knowledge god instilled in you,if one day I could be half the man,i will have acomplished great things,keep dancing around the campfire with your american indian brothers,one day i hope to see you,peace,your nephew who thinks the world of you,timmy

beverly james {mcgilberry}

February 11, 2011

dear aunt mary,i will alway's remember uncle sonny,his warmth,and great big laugh,his loving advice to a young girl.may god bless you and kirsten.love beverly.

Sandra Hoptowit

February 9, 2011

My deepest sympathies to all family and friends as Ed will be greatly missed.Ed was a great guy,always willing to help. He was a fun addition in our Latin class and a friend to all he met. From his priceless stories to his joking or his kindness and one of a kind character he will be remembered.Rest in peace Ed, you will be missed my friend.

February 9, 2011

Dearest Mary & Daughter;

Our family sends our deepest sympathies for the loss of your loved one. He was a special person. One would always find an excellent story and a good laugh when meeting him in any setting. May Peace Be With You.

Roger, Peggy & Elizabeth Sanchey

February 8, 2011

I had the chance to be introduced to Ed up in the woods as he was inspecting our job site for fire safety. That was nearly 40 years ago. He was a great person and had a heart of gold. Reading his life's story explained his character quite a bit. He was a gentle man and a great friend for those many years. Rest in peace Ed
Derald Gaidos

February 8, 2011

Ed was a good friend and co-worker for many, many years. Once you became a friend of Ed's you were a friend for life. He was a brave, kind and very good man. He had a keen mind and a big heart. He and Mary made an unstoppable, loving team. We will always remember Ed with love and respect. He stood tall and never gave up.

Mary and Kirstin - our hearts are with you.

Love,
Don and Virginia Aden

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results