Hugh (Bill) James Imes, 95, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 14, 2016. He battled pancreatic cancer.
Bill was the ninth child of James Burton Imes and Prudence (Prudie or Pet) Laymance Imes, and the first of their 10 children to be born in the Methow Valley up on the Rendezvous.
Bill was preceded in death by both of his parents; his six sisters, Lela Stockdale, Wilma Dyer, Helen Nelson, Ruby Gorman, Harriet Haase and Evelyn Bair; and his three brothers, Clair Imes, Walter Imes and Dale Imes. Bill had many nieces and nephews.
Bill was married to Helen Estell Imes for 19 years and lived in Winthrop. Bill had three stepchildren, Paula Schroeder, Jeff Schroeder and Roger Schroeder; six grandchildren, Mitchell McClellan (wife Theresa), Reed McClellan, Elizebeth Voegele (husband Joseph), Krystl, Cara, and Aleasheia; and seven great-grandchildren, Taelur, Gabriel, Maximus, Zachery, Kyla, Ciera and DeShaun.
Bill attended school in Winthrop. He had many interests, including packing, forestry, logging and hunting. His passion was snowmobiling. He taught Estell how to share that passion. They spent many years with the snowmobile club in the Methow Valley. He was very involved with the Winthrop community and made many, many physical contributions to the town. He helped with the construction of many of the building, bridges and parks in the area.
Bill could recall every event in his life and the names of everyone he had ever come in contact with. He always had a story to share whether from growing up, his time in the army or packing in the hills.
According to Bill’s wishes, there will be no immediate memorial service. At a later date there will be a small memorial gathering at the cemetery to dedicate his service in the military. Any contributions can be made in Bill’s name to the Local American Legion or the Methow Valley Ladies auxiliary.
