James "Jim" Telford

1936 - 2025

James "Jim" Telford
September 27, 1936 - October 12, 2025
James Allen Telford, a longtime Wenatchee resident, passed away on October 12, 2025, at the age of 89. Jim was born September 27, 1936, in Opheim, Montana, 12 of 13 children. When he was a young boy, the family relocated to Plain, Washington, where they established a family farm. He graduated from Leavenworth H.S. in 1954, where he played percussion in the marching band. As a young child in Montana, Jim had seen a funeral coach and told his mother he would like to drive one of those one day, and he made that dream come true! He spent two years at Wenatchee Valley College, then continued on to graduate from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science in 1959. Upon returning to Wenatchee, he worked for the local funeral homes for the next 10 years.
On New Year's Eve in 1963, Jim met his beautiful bride-to-be, Corinne Bellas, on a blind date where they danced the night away. They were wed on August 29, 1964, and while raising two children, dedicated themselves to serving the Wenatchee Valley through their business and community activism.
In 1969, Jim and Corinne became the proud owners of Telford's Chapel of the Valley Funeral Home in East Wenatchee. In 1974, they designed and built a beautiful new building at 711 Grant Rd., with a reader board out front that was available to the community at no charge for posting special occasion messages. In 1987, the East Wenatchee Chamber of Commerce chose TCV for their Small Business of the Year award. Jim and Corinne built their business on the family concept of service over self and treated each family as if it were their own. Jim had a unique gift for offering comfort and guidance to families during their most difficult times. The business flourished under their dedicated care and became a trusted community partner.
To counterbalance the demands of dealing with grief, community activities and service became their second life's work. These activities helped them to revive and refocus. Jim immersed the business and himself in the community, supporting youth sports and service groups, receiving numerous awards for his donations of time, talent, and treasure. He served the East Wenatchee Chamber of Commerce as President for 3 years and board membership 12-plus years. East Wenatchee Rotary, as president, was a longtime member and Paul Harris fellow. He was deeply involved with Active 20-30 Club, Camp Fire, Salvation Army, Wells House Committee, CW Hospital Foundation Committee, Wenatchee Valley College Foundation, United Way, American Red Cross, North Central Washington Council on Aging, Senior Task Force, Wenatchee Chamber of Commerce, and the WA State Funeral Directors.
In 1983, Jim served as Director General for the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival. His Board created the prestigious Lehman Johnson award for volunteerism, which he and Corinne were then awarded in 1994. In addition, Jim and Corinne, along with Abby's Pizza and Weinstein Beverage, originated the festival kick-off Pizza Party to honor the royalty and Festival Board, providing an event that their family members could participate in. This has been one of their proudest accomplishments, and he has pledged continued future sponsorship for this event.
Jim and Corinne joined the Applarians in 1971. They excelled as ambassadors for the community and in support of the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival, receiving the Outstanding Member award in 2006. Jim served as Chancellor in 1990 and enjoyed every moment of the 54 years he spent with his Applarian family. Their mission and his sociability were a match made in heaven.
Upon retirement in 1995, Jim and Corinne were lucky to be able to travel extensively throughout the world and the U.S. But their favorite destination by far was the family cabin at Lake Chelan. Putzing around the yard, a crib game, watching wildlife, and the activity on the lake made for a great day. And even more perfect if grandchildren, family, or friends were also visiting. The Telford Family gathering at the cabin each August, featuring Jim's BBQ steelhead, has become a family tradition which continues to keep generations of the Telford family connected.
The life of the party with his big, loud belly laugh, Jim had a gift for conversation, making those around him feel comfortable and welcome. Sociability was his hobby. Service his passion. He was the definition of a 'people person' and was most content when helping others or singing to his grandchildren.
Jim Telford was a kind and generous man. He lived a life of service that touched so many lives through his work and volunteerism. He was a beloved figure in the community and a respected role model to many. He welcomed everyone with the best hugs and made you feel special and seen. How lucky we have all been to have had this wonderful man in our lives.
Jim's family includes daughter Teri Katzer (Rick) with daughters Jaime (John and Riley) Monnig, and Kelli (Brandon) Taylor; son Scott Telford (Pokky), and sons Dasan and Joshua; sisters Marilyn Crollard, and Delta Wood; brother-in-law Norm Bellas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Corinne; parents Earnest and Victoria Telford; and siblings Maynard, Vivian, Floy, Hazel, Kenneth, Ernest, Frank, Joanne, Marlys, and Donald.
A Visitation will be held on Friday, October 17, 2:00- 6:00 pm at Chapel of the Valley, 378 Eastmont Ave., East Wenatchee. A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 18th, at 11:30 am at the United Methodist Church, 941 Washington St., Wenatchee, Wash.
A family Graveside service will precede the Memorial service at the Wenatchee City Cemetery.
Arrangements by Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.