James Ray Phelps

1925 - 2005

James Ray Phelps, Sr. 79, of Kelso, passed away at the Hospice Care Center on February 24, 2005. He was born on April 8, 1925 in Kannapolis, North Carolina to Gilbert & Verdie (Cline) Phelps. He moved to our local area in 1951. He was in the US Navy-Armed Guard during WWII and was very proud of his service to our country. He worked at Weyerhaeuser as a Foreman for many years and retired from there 18 years ago. He used to enjoy riding his Harley Davidson to the airport where he would then skydive. He enjoyed gardening and riding his lawn mower. He loved spending time with his family, especially at Christmas and other special gatherings. He had a very big heart and took pleasure in buying things for other people. He loved the Lord and was always asking God's blessing on everyone. He was also a member of the Valley View Church of God. He was preceded in death by beloved wife of 53 years, Alma K. (James) Phelps in April of 1998 and his second wife, Ileatrice J. (Marlton) Phelps in January of 2005. A sister, Francis Raymer also preceded him in death.Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Rev. James R. Phelps, Jr. & Shirley of Longview; daughters and sons-in-law, Charlotte & Roy Merwin of Longview and

Linda & David Peppers of Vancouver; two brothers, C.J. Phelps of Kelso and Bob Phelps of Concord, North Carolina; 5 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 at Valley View Church of God with Rev. Larry Gee & Rev. James Phelps, Jr. officiating. Friends may pay their respects at Columbia Funeral Service on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and Monday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A private burial will have taken place prior to the Memorial Service. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Community Home Health & Hospice, PO Box 2067, Longview, WA 98632.Columbia Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.