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James McCanless Obituary
James was born July 9, 1978, in Fortuna, California. He left us unexpectedly on July 3, 2007, due to a tragic automobile accident. He grew up in Ferndale, CA, and graduated from Ferndale High School in 1997. He was employed by McCanless Excavating as a loader operator and landing chaser. He previously worked for Pacific Lumber Co. and Schmidbauer Lumber Co. James loved the outdoors and especially working in the woods. He enjoyed working with his hands making wood products such as redwood shingles and other items. He loved his family and was very devoted to his daughter and Dana. James had a very tender heart and giving nature about him. There are no words to describe what the loss of James means to his family and friends. He was so loved and will be missed by all.
He is survived by his daughter, Tatum Lyn McCanless; his mother, Marian and husband Terry Qualls; and father, Jack McCanless; his sister, Tami McCanless; his loving companion, Dana McDonald; grandmother, Donell McCanless; aunts and uncles, Kurt and Judy McCanless, Dave and Debbie McCanless, Lee and Ellie Cressall, Helene and Jim Ricketts, Lucy and Ben Moye; cousins, Beckie Pidgeon, Jason McCanless, Lucas McCanless, Katie McCanless, Kenny McCanless, Misty Kane, Gay Pena, Teri Bogden, Dean Wickett, Deane Morales, Trevor Seits, Bryan Seits, Joanna Wright, Chuck Schleth, Jim Schleth, Holly Dorris, Joe Schleth Jr.; and many other relatives and close friends. Preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Herman and Lucille Schleth; paternal grandfather, Jack W. McCanless; his uncles, Herman C. Schleth and Johannes W. Schleth.
Pallbearers will be Jason McCanless, Lucas McCanless, Kenny McCanless, Randy McCanless, Trevor Seits and Tyler Whilden.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service this Tuesday July 10, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. at Goble’s Mortuary in Fortuna. A graveside service will immediately follow at the Ferndale Cemetery. Following the services, there will be a gathering at the Ferndale VFW.
In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made to the "Tatum McCanless Trust Fund", c/o Umpqua Bank, 1360 Main Street, Fortuna, CA 95540 (707) 269-7309.
Arrangements under the direction of Goble’s Fortuna Mortuary, Inc., Fortuna, CA.
Please sign the guest book at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James McCanless
Jennifer Toler
January 6, 2008
James was such a happy spirit...he could always make a person laugh. Marian I think of you often and hope you're doing better as each day passes.
Patricia Foster
July 23, 2007
Marian, Jack, Dana, Tatum, and family. I am so sorry... James is very special to me and he was a huge part of my life. Thank you all for everything. James I love you and will forever...
Patricia Foster
Lyn Chambers
July 16, 2007
Marian, Dana, Tammy and family.
I am so saddened by your loss. James was far to young to leave us. The good Lord has taken one of earths beautiful flowers into heaven's own garden. I know you have lost a wonderful part of your life, but Heaven wanted that great soul. What wonderful memories all of you must have. I certainly do! Enjoy them with a smile and a warm heart. James was a happy person.
Tamma Walker
July 15, 2007
James will be missed by many but will be remembered by all. He could walk into a room full of people and make them all laugh. My heart goes out to Tatum!
Jamie Green
July 14, 2007
James we all miss u so much, life is 2 short.
Dana McDonald
July 13, 2007
Dearest Daddy James, Tatum and I LOVE YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH. We miss you dearly. You will always be with us in our mind, body and soul. To all of you who wrote thankyou, much appreciation. I dont think I can ever stop saying this but We love you James Forever and Forever. We will never let you die.
Love you daddy,
Mama Dana and Baby Tatum
Helen Renner
July 13, 2007
To Dana, Marian, and the McCanless Family ~ Words cannot describe the sadness I feel for your loss. Just seeing Tatem the other day, I know she will be a very special person, just like her daddy. We should be thankful that James left a beautiful little girl here on Earth to carry on his wonderful personality. He will be dearly missed, and never, never forgotten.
Marcia Daniels
July 13, 2007
My Prayers have been with you and are with you and your family. May your fond memories give you comfort each day.
Jesse Renner and family
July 12, 2007
To the entire McCanless family, Dana and Tatum,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you daily during such a difficult time. Memories of James are shared often in our home. Jesse was so proud of his friend and talked about him the whole drive home after meeting back up with James at Redwood Acres just a few weeks ago. The stories of good times are endless. Find strength with the love of family and friends.
Christy Thomas
July 12, 2007
My heart goes out to all the friends and family of James; it is obvious, and not surprising that there are many. It has been years since I lived in Ferndale or knew James personally but it doesn't change the heartache at the news of the loss of a fellow Ferndale "kid"...
Sara Tolliver
July 10, 2007
Randy,
I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this unfortunate and difficult time.
Juanita Bristol
July 10, 2007
Words cannot begin to describe the loss of James, his ambition, and drive were a magnetic force. He touched so many lives while here, that none of us will ever forget him. God Bless!
Brian Belt, Reuben Cordrey, Jason Durrett, and Sarah Circe
July 9, 2007
You will always be remembered.
Dennis & Jennifer Grandy & Family
July 9, 2007
Dear McCanless Family, We are so sorry for your loss. We hope that in time your heart will heal. You will forever be in our thoughts and prayers.
Deedee Bott
July 9, 2007
Marian and family Im sorry for the loss of your son. I've known James for 12 years. He was someone who could always make me smile or laugh. He was such a great person who had a big heart and a great personality that will always be in my memories. He was such an out going person who loved the outdoors. James well be missed very much my thoughts and prayers go out to all the family. Much sympathy to Dana-Tatum and the rest of the family. Theres is one thing I would also like to say James was a devoted Daddy...May God Grant You All Peace In This Time Of Need............
Pena's
July 9, 2007
Mariam and Tami, Our family feels the loss of James. I will always remember him as a young boy with lots of energy and a magnetic personality. Gay has deeper memories and we will cherish those for ever. Our love goes out to everyone and we will miss James.
Nicki Ellerd
July 9, 2007
I am so sorry. My husband and I were the first to arrive at the accident. Many others quickly followed to help. We all cared deeply and I hope this will bring you some comfort. Take care.
Nancy Trotter
July 9, 2007
Dear McCanless Family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. He was way to young to leave. Our
grand-son Forrest Ireland and James were buddies when they were little guys. Please accept our Sincere Sympathies to all of you.
(Former Grizzly Bluff neighbors.)
Carl and Nancy (Goff)Trotter
Stacey Milich
July 9, 2007
Marion, Tami, Jack, Randy, and Family,
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Pamela Goodwin
July 9, 2007
To the McCanless family,
Our heartfelt condolences on the tragic loss of James!
Michael & Pamela Goodwin and family
Russ Renner
July 9, 2007
Jack,Marian and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you.James was a great friend and will be missed by everyone.
Scott and Debbie McCanless and family
July 9, 2007
Marian, Tami, Aunt Donnel and the rest of the family:
We are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. May your memories bring you peace.
Libby Shaha-Charlton
July 8, 2007
Marian and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. James was a great friend of mine while growing up...I have many wonderful memories of the times we spent together and he will never be forgotten. I hope that his memory will live strong in your hearts forever!
My deepest Sympathies,
Libby
Ruth Crane
July 8, 2007
It is so difficult to lose such a young person in such tragic circumstances. Please know that I am keeping you in my prayers.
Dick Crane
July 8, 2007
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Words are small comfort, but you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Racheal (Lyons) Shinn
July 7, 2007
Marian, Tami and Family - My thoughts and sympathies go out to you during this sad time. May you find strength in wonderful memories to move forward in healing.
shari worden
July 7, 2007
James was a great friend to me for many many years and my daughter and I will miss him very much Katie my 8 yr old said Mommy I will miss him he always tried to make me feel like a big person and let me hang with the adults I will never forget James and all the memories of him will linger for a lifetime-Thank You James for being who you were and never apologizing for it always proud,sweet,smart,good hearted,and a wonderful friend especially when it really counted and the chips were down.We luv ya!! Much sympathy to Dana, Tatum,and the rest of the family Im so sorry for your loss He will be greatly missed.-Sincerely, Shari Worden & Daughter Katelyn CarolRose Worden-Fortuna,Ca
marylou chambers-morgan
July 7, 2007
McCanless Family, No words can tell you the sadness I feel for your loss. Marian, we shared the same hospital room when our boys were born, something I've always remembered. May God grant you all peace in your time of need. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. yours, MaryLou Chambers- Morgan
Bill & Bobbie Hogan
July 7, 2007
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve. Mariam I am so sorry my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Nancy Loudon Jones
July 7, 2007
Marian and family...I am so sorry for the loss of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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