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BORN
1985
DIED
2024
James Dort Obituary
James Benton "Ben" Dort
February 17, 1985 - August 14, 2024
ROY, WA - James Benton "Ben" Dort, 39, died peacefully on August 14, 2024, and is now healed and experiencing fullness of joy in the presence of his loving Savior. Ben's journey with metastatic melanoma taught him and his family perseverance, strengthening their faith and trust in the Lord. His life was characterized by his devotion to Christ, his family, and farming. A civil engineer by trade, but farmer at heart, Ben realized his dream of getting a big John Deere tractor and working forty acres with his family.
Ben was born in Corvallis, OR, to James Burtram and Cynthia Jean (Worley) Dort and grew up in near-by Philomath with brother, Aaron, and sister, Kari. He received Christ at an early age through the ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship. He graduated from Philomath High School after enjoying cross country, swimming, track, playing the saxophone, and participating in Boys State. Summers were spent in the hay fields with his family's custom hay business. After graduating from George Fox University in mechanical engineering, he joined BCRA in Tacoma, WA, as a civil engineer, and met his helpmate, Jessica Pitts. They were married March 19, 2011, and were blessed with three children, Jeremiah, Luke, and Lydia.
Ben and his family have taken great comfort in the promises found throughout the Bible, but especially in the Psalms, Philippians, and Romans 5 and 8. One of Ben's favorite verses is in Hebrews 12:1-2, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
The Lord is sustaining his wife; and their three children, Jeremiah, Luke, and Lydia. He will also be missed by his parents, Jim, and Cynthia Dort (Philomath); brother, Aaron (Katie) Dort (Newberg, OR); sister, Kari Dort (Philomath); in-laws, Michael, and Randene Pitts (Tacoma); sister-in-law, Lindsey Pitts (Tacoma); and many other treasured family, and friends.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., at Fellowship Bible Church, in Tacoma; 3806 E. Portland Avenue. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Timberline Baptist Church's benevolence fund at TBC Benevolence Fund at Timberline Baptist Church, 6628 Mullen Rd. SE, Lacey, WA 98503.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Dort
6 Entries
Julie Schmale
August 13, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Ben's passing, Jim & Cynthia, Aaron and Cari. I remember him as you all attended SVLC as our two boys were in youth group with yours. May the peace that surpassed all human understanding be with you all until you're together again with King Jesus =)
Ruth
December 4, 2024
Mr. Dort taught my kids at CHS, Amelia Vaughan & Veronic Mitchel. I don't know if you had the little brother Ezekiel. I g
just want you know another Corvallis parent understands what it's like to lose up a wonderful grown son to melanoma. Because Ezekiel Mitchel died February 19, 2023 at 32 from melanoma.
I am sorry for your loss.
Mike & Linda Weaver
September 20, 2024
I´m so sorry to hear of Ben´s passing. The year he was born was the year I graduated from CHS and Yes you were my teacher. I actually recall you telling us in class how your wife was pregnant at the time. Our prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Mike & Linda Weaver
.
September 20, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Linda
September 7, 2024
Jim and Cynthia, I am so very sorry to hear of Ben´s passing from this life. He´d often been in my prayers after hearing of the cancer. I pray for comfort and Christ´s peace for you and all his family and friends. With love, Linda (Williamson) Gelbrich
Joe Fulton
September 1, 2024
Ben was a sweet young man with an infectious smile and a good sense of humor. He was a proud member of "The Loud Crowd" the fraternity of distance runners from Philomath High School. We will miss him and send much love to his family.
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