James G. "Jim" Stohr
1931 - 2011
James G. "Jim" Stohr
1931 - 2011
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1931
DIED
2011
James Stohr Obituary
He attended Marquette High School and graduated from Yakima High in 1949. He served in the US Air Force 315th Air Division Sgt. 3rd Class during the Korean War from 1951 -1954.
He married Janet Marie Dietzen on September 10, 1955 at St Paul's Cathedral in Yakima. He managed Dietzen's Thriftway for 18 years before he became known as "The Dairy Queen Man" after purchasing the Hillcrest Dairy Queen on Summitview in 1973. He created many fond DQ memories for his family and others in the Yakima area. He also owned and operated the Wapato Dairy Queen and Meadowbrook Dairy Queen in the West Valley area. After retirement from Dairy Queen, he went to work for Wray's Thriftway. He loved meeting and greeting people and loved good honest work.
Jim was a former member of the Elks Club, the Exchange Club, Westwood West Golf Club and served on the Board of Dairy Queen of the Pacific Northwest.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janet; three daughters, Nancy and husband Tom Whittle of Moses Lake, WA; Karen and husband John Stevenson of Spokane, WA; Pam and husband Kirk Werner of Duvall, WA; four grandchildren, Corey and Cameron Whittle; Taylor Marie and Nikolas Werner; his brother Robert Stanley Stohr of Yakima and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Reverend Richard Stohr, and his sister Dororthy Stohr Probach.
A Vigil service will be held at Holy Family Chapel on Monday, April 26, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations are suggested to Cottage in the Meadow, Hospice Center and the Lazarus Day Center, a homeless shelter for the elderly established by his brother Fr. Richard Stohr in care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home.
Jim was blessed with many wonderful friends over the years and the family would especially like to thank RD Dalebout for all the lunch dates. For an online guest book and to celebrate the life of Jim visit www.keithandkeith.com.
under the direction of Keith & Keith Funeral Home, Yakima, WA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cyndi Peterson
April 27, 2011
Mr. Stohr was my very first boss at my very first job at the DQ. I started at $1.40/hour and loved every minute of it--especially payday! He was such a kind, considerate, happy person to be around. He enjoyed everyone he met. I loved working there and think of my DQ job as one of the best! I've had a number of bosses since then--and I can promise you-- none of them come close to the man I've always called, "Sunny Jim." My heart-felt blessings to his family during this difficult time.
Glen & Sally Groenig
April 25, 2011
Jim was our friend and mentor. He graciously welcomed us into the "Dairy Queen family", kept a close eye on us as we acclimated to the business, and was always there to give sage advice and Irish humor. One of Jim's basic principles, other than "the customer is always right", was that, if you were ever out of a product that a customer would normally order, get it immeidiately, somehow, or you will be out of business!! Many of our basic business principles that became habits for becoming a successful business can be traced back to Jim's wisdom and council. Thanks, Jim, for touching our lives! You will be missed, but remembered!
Glen & Sally Groenig
April 25, 2011
Jim was our friend and mentor. He graciously welcomed us into the "Dairy Queen family", kept a close eye on us as we acclimated to the business, and was always there to give sage advice and Irish humor. Thanks, Jim, for touching our lives. You will be missed!
Susan Ditter Johnson
April 23, 2011
My earliest memory of Jim is in the late 1940's delivering groceries to my parent's home on 16th Avenue.
Easter blessings to all of Jim's family.
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April 23, 2011
I Thoughts are with the Stohr family. Mr Stohr game me my first real job at the DQ and memories that i will always cherish and remember.
Steven C. Blesio
(Portland, Oregon)
Jeff Dugas
April 23, 2011
Was very greatful for the kindness and great spirit I saw as a young kid growing up in Yakima. Dairy Queen was one of my favirote places to go with friends and family. Bless all of Jim's family.
Don & Sandy Schademan
April 22, 2011
Easter offers hope to those who grieve.
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902 West Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
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