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Jimmie Paul James

1914 - 2009

BORN

1914

DIED

2009

Jimmie James Obituary

Jimmie Paul James Jimmie Paul James passed away on Saturday, December 12, 2009, at his home in Hoopa, California. Jimmie was born on September 13, 1914, at Blue Creek, a Yurok village located along the Klamath River. He came from the villages of Er-ner' and Ke-pel. He was known by many as Jimmie Toe, but to his family he was "Dad, Grandpa and Uncle." Jimmie completed his education at the Hoopa Indian Boarding School, Sherman Indian Institute and also earned a certificate in Barber School. He served in the Army during World War II at which time he married his wife, Josey, and raised ten children. For many years, he worked in the woods as a faller while providing for his family. Jimmie enjoyed fishing for ney-puy, kaa-kaa and key'ween, hunting for puuek and mey-weehl, and gathering other Native traditional foods. He lived by the old ways, and offered food to anyone who entered his home. Jimmie was a Juvenile Truant Officer advocating for Native youth in the court system. Throughout his life, he sat on many Committees that involved the needs of the Native community. While in the 50's and 60's, he was an interpreter for the Indian people. He had a vision to help our Native People to preserve our Indian ways, language and culture. Jimmie used his knowledge in helping create the Sumeg Village located at Patricks Point. Jimmie was preceded in death with his wife of 55 years aa-wok Josephine James, his daughters aa-wok Lorita James and Earlene James, son aa-wok Jimmie "Junior" James, brothers aa-wok Jesse, Rafey, Andrew and Jasper James. Jimmie has many family members who will miss him including children Paul James and Leslie, Rebecca James, Matthew James, Noreen and Harold Jones, Earlene and Tony Mattz, Joe and Tiffany James, twenty-six grandchildren, forty-three great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Today is a sad day because he was the last of the "Full-Bloods" last of the "Old Singers" and last of the "Yurok fluent speakers". He's singing songs now, with his glorious voice and with our Lord and Savior. Although he has left us, his memories and teaching will stay with us forever. Pall Bearers are the following: Johnny Troll, Dicky Myers Sr., Ronald Bowen, Ronald Dean Powell, Bradley Marshall, Rodney Robbins, Glenn Moore III, Mack Robinson, James Ramos, Tis-Mil Ashley, Walt "Blacksnake" Lara, Alphonso Colegrove, Nolan Colegrove Sr., Brian Colegrove, Everett "Tweet" Colegrove Sr., Everett "Muss" Colegrove Jr. Jim McQuillen, Amos Tripp, Brian Tripp, Tony Sylvia, Bill Bowers, Leo Canez, Gary Markussen, Javier Kinney, Robert Kinney, Issac Kinney, Gerald Kane, Tom Joseph Sr., Tom Joseph Jr., Cecil James, Frank Dowd, Kah-no Gordon, Mel Brooks, Loren Bommelyn, Shawn Logan, John Logan, Rafey Logan, Nah-tes Jackson, Per-gish Carlson, Richard Nixon Sr., Lional Colegrove, Corky Simms, Merkie Oliver, Fritz Norris, Steve Pride Moore, William "Joe" Jarnaghan, William "Joey" Jarnaghan, Darin Jarnaghan, Leroy Bitsy Jackson, David Severens, Muss Rat, Antone Aubrey, Raymond "Chucky" Carpenter, David Vigil, Eugene F. Colegrove, Albert Carpenter, Duane Carpenter, Raymond McQuillen, Archie Thompson, Tom O'Rourke Sr., Filmore Harvey, Rowds Robbins, Charlie Thom, Homer Bennett, Salish Jackson, Eric Casteneda, Joseph Schaffer, George "Pordie" Blake, Jake Blake, Mike Masten Sr., Phillip Vigil, Raymond Mattz, Albert "Junkie" Gray, Walter "Bud" Gray, Billy Aubrey, Steve Alvarado, Delivin McCovey and Nathan French, Willard Carlson Sr., Dean Davis Maui Smith, Paul Kuska, James Proctor, Willliam Enos, and Mike McLaughlin. The family will be holding a wake at the James residents in Hoopa, on Friday evening December 18, 2009. The funeral services will be held at 11am Saturday, December 19, 2009, in Hoopa, California, at the Neighborhood Facilities. The burial intermittent will be held at the James Cemetery located at the James residents. Following the services a reception will be held at the Neighborhood Facilities. Care is under the direction Paul's Chapel, Arcata, CA 707-822-2445 www.paulschapel.com Please sign the guestbook online at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.

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

Published by Times-Standard on Dec. 17, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Jimmie James

Not sure what to say?





Victoria Carlson

January 5, 2010

Aiy-yue-kwee' Ni-kee-chue,

I will always remember the times me and grandpa spent hangin' out. I don't know if anyone will ever be able to describe things the way Grandpa did. He inspired me in many ways. He taught me that "Family" is the most important. He believed it was vital to learn our native language. And, he always said to "Pray".

Grandpa my heart is heavy now, don't worry though I know you are in a good place. And me, Per-gish, and Josey will always remember what you told us.

Noo-lue-mek Peech-ow-wos...

athena willison

December 21, 2009

To the family of "Uncle Jimmie" I am so saddened by this loss. I will always remember the times he told me stories of my older people who have gone on. He was such a huge assest to the history of my family. I want to apologize for not being there with you during this time, I was unable to make it.
Uncle always told me it was time to move home, before I forgot where I came from.. I loved to listen to him talk when we was in church, he always brought out good teachings..
my love to you all, he will be missed.
ps.. Uncle tell my mom hi for me...

Michael Cloney

December 19, 2009

Family of Jimmie, I believe Jimmie and I did the prayer service for the dedication of the World Heritage Day of Redwoods Nat. Park in the 1980's. I read the St. Francis Prayer of Brother Son, Siter Moon and he sang to his heart's content. We were up in Lost Man Creek. His first words were:
which way is the East and then he began to sing. We talked about how St. Francis was so close to nature.
Our pictures are in the archives at Orick South Park Headquarters.
Rev. Michael W. Cloney, Christ the King
Parish, McKinleyville.

Stacy Ulibarri-Canez

December 18, 2009

Deepest condolences to the James family. Uncle Jimmy always loving on the "ladies." He had many stories to tell; he told me some memories over the summer of my family whom he grew up with and many throughout the years in which I will hold onto forever. All that knew Jimmy Toe are blessed to have such a man with integrity and honesty in their lives. Even though hearts are heavy, he had a long blessed life and know he will be with you always. We will all see eachother again :o)

Much respect,
Stacy Ulibarri-Canez and Ames and Jackson families.

December 18, 2009

It is with good thoughts and a smiling heart that we will remember...our prayers to your family. ~ Dennie, Effie and Family

Melvin Smith

December 17, 2009

Our prayers and condolences go out to the Jimmie James family at this sad time of remembering. But as we do remember, let us dwell on the bright days of wonderful Yurok songs and stories that Jimmie shared with those who were lucky enough to know him. There are no replacements but he will ever be in our minds as a leader and elder to be respected. God bless you all. Mel Smith Maui Hawaii
(from the Williams family of the Mouth of the Klamath)

December 17, 2009

My two Brothers And I will remember you always in prayer.Shonna French

December 17, 2009

We are sorry for the loss of your dad, grandpa, and friend. Our sympathy goes out to all of the family. ( I will always remember seeing Jimmie Toe sitting out in front of Vic's house singing his songs and just listening to the sounds of nature and the neighborhood or him coming through the tribal office and wanting to meet all the "pretty girls")

Much love & respect ~ Tammy, Micah, Kameron, & Tyler Gibson

December 17, 2009

We are sorry to hear of the passing of your dad and grandpa Jimmie. Our condolences and respect to all of the family. We know he is singing with the best of them now ~

With Respect,

Alme and Pimm Allen & girls, Amos and Maria Tripp, Kapoon Tripp and Jimmie's great-grandaughters Wateekwashaun and Karmachay LameBear

December 17, 2009

With our condolences for your loss and our deepest respect for your dad and grandpa Jimmie. He is singing with the best of them now ~

With Respect, Alme and Pimm Allen & girls, Amos and Maria Tripp, Kapoon Tripp and Jimmie's great-grandaughters Wateekwashaun & Karamachay LameBear

Abbey Crnich

December 17, 2009

I am sorry to hear of your passing Jimmie Toe. I wish I could make it to your services, and am trying to figure something out. Say "Hi" to my grandma for me. I am sure she's happy to see you.

Violet Lafferty

December 17, 2009

I am very saddened by his passing; my name is Violet Lafferty, my mother being Vera and grandmother Mary Wallace. I remembered him fondly from going to shaker church and sitting with him in the back by the fire place before church, he would hold my hand and tell me very vividly of stories that he wanted to share. A great person and mentor he was for many all that knew him.
Aho ...

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