Charles Lou James, 72, of Pendleton, Oregon, passed away at Jamie’s Place adult family home surrounded by family and loving caregivers on Nov. 15, 2015, in Winthrop, after a long battle with Lewy Body disease. Graveside service was held on Nov. 21, 2015, in Del Norte, Colorado. A community celebration of his life is planned in Winthrop at 3 Bears Cafe on Saturday (Nov. 28) from 1–3 p.m. with refreshments provided.
Charles was born in Del Norte, Colorado, on April 30, 1943, to Harold and Dorothy Kreps James. Charles spent his childhood among his seven brothers and sisters in the family home in Center, Colorado. He graduated from Center High School, then moved his bride, Linda Brooks, to Denver and started his family while working as a milkman. The family relocated to Bend, Oregon where he learned the art of upholstery, which he then took to Pendleton, Oregon, and started Chuck’s Upholstery, which he operated for 30 years.
Charles was a dedicated father, spending time camping, riding motorcycles, and working together as a family. Charles had a lifelong love for the sport of wrestling, coin collecting, water fights, and laughter. Charles was kind, generous and loving to others. His big smile and bright eyes will be greatly missed.
Charles is survived by his children Charles James (Keno, Oregon), Sheila (Darold) Brandenburg, Twisp, and Steven James (Pendleton, Oregon); brothers Clarence and Meril; sisters Rayetta, Beverly, and Karen; nieces and nephews; grandchildren Nicholas (Haley) Brandenburg and Mallory Brandenburg, Natasha (Kyle) Meier, and Autumn James; and great-grandchildren Hudson, Jacob, Jayce and Leighton.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Leonard, Ronald and Marvin; brother-in-law Ed; nephew Kevan James; and grandsons Jordan and Chase Brandenburg. Precht-Harrison-Nearents Chapel of Twisp/Okanogan is caring for the arrangements.
