James (Jim) Thomas Ross August 30, 1947 - August 4, 2023

With great sadness, James (Jim) Thomas Ross of Othello, WA. passed away August 4, 2023, at the age of 75.
Jim was born August 30, 1947, in Livingston, Montana to Edward and Gladys (Hossler) Ross. He attended Livingston Elementary School and Augustana Academy High School in Canton, South Dakota. Where he graduated with the Class of 1965. After graduation he enlisted in the US Navy. While in the Navy he served as a damage-control man on the Destroyer USS Hugh Purvis DD-709 during the Vietnam War.
During his time serving he and his comrades provided gun support for US troops in the field. The destroyer was in many battles while he was on board.
One incident while on the destroyer they rescued another navy ship that was beached and under fire in enemy-held territory. They successfully pulled the vessel and it’s crew to safety.
During his tour on USS High Purvis DD-709 had fired 4,972 rounds with its Twin mark twelve 5” 38 Caliper Guns.
After receiving many honors and accommodations he was honorably discharge in 1970. He received the Vietnam Service Ribbon with Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, The National Defense Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, & Combat Action Ribbon.
In 1970 he united with Donna Calder in Portland, Maine. They were blessed with two children (Kimberly and Scott). They divorced in 1975 and he moved back West.
In August 13, 1976 he married Diana Beamis in Kellogg, Idaho. They were blessed with four children (Shelby, Darin, Kelly, and Jenny).
While in the Silver Valley Jim owned and operated The Kellogg Variety Store in Kellogg, ID. and they later he became involved in Diana’s business-“Floral Designs by Diana” in Pinehurst Idaho. In 1983 Jim, Diana and their children moved to Othello, Washington after the silver mines closed in the area.
In 1987, they moved to a new home on the south shores of Potholes Reservoir, an outdoor’s paradise where they raised their four children and still resides there.
Jim was employed at Carnation Potato Plant for a short time then hired at Hanford Nuclear Reservation as a power plant operator where he was employed 14 years until 1998.
During his time there he was a member of IUOE Local# 480 Operating Engineers. After leaving Hanford site he worked in sales and Genie Industries until he retired in 2008.
Jim enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and adventures with his family, traveling and going to live music in Newport, Oregon.
During his children’s school years, he attended nearly every game, concert and recital. He always supported them! He instilled his love for the outdoors, sports, laughter, and family values in each of them.
After his retirement, Jim and Diana spent time traveling in their Motorhome to the Oregon Coast. They fell in love with Newport, Oregon. They purchased a vacation Condo where they were able to listen to the ocean 24/7 six months a year. Jim loved to be around his family and friends enjoying many days and nights of laughter. He shared lots of stories about his life’s experiences and knew a little bit about a lot of things and was always RIGHT! He was a happy-go lucky guy that loved life fully! Even with his recent heart and kidney issues he never complained. The last day of his life, his doctor came into his room and asked “What’s your wishes if your heart stops”? He replied “I’d like you to try and resuscitate me”!
“I wanna live”! He fought as hard as he could but the battle ended that afternoon in a flash!
Jim had high moral values but believed in grace and forgiveness. He had a relationship with Christ and was a member of Warden Mennonite Church in Warden Washington. He also was member of The Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge #2817 and The American Legion Post #116 in Newport, Oregon.
His wife- Diana, his family and friends was always his top priority! He and Diana were married for 46 years missing their 47th wedding anniversary by only nine days.
He is survived by his loving wife Diana of Othello, Wa. where the reside. His children Kimberly Ross of Westbrook, Maine, Scott (Stephanie) Ross of Standish, Maine, Shelby (Tanys) Ross of Othello, Washington, Darin Ross of Othello, Washington, Kelly (Marianne) Ross of Moses Lake, Washington, and Jenny (Ty) Mertes of Moses Lake, Washington.
Grandchildren: Veronica Lacasia of , Jared Randall, Kristen Randall, Alexandria Prey, Jack Ross, Derek Ross, Mikayla Ross of Pullman, WA., Katelynn Ottmar, Morgan, Peyton, Kaci Ross, and Rhett Mertes also of Moses Lake, WA.
Numerous great grandchildren and many special blessed Friends.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents Edward and Gladys Smith, and his brother Steven E. Ross, half-brother Scott Ross.
There will be a “Celebration of Life” September 2, 2023, at 12:30 pm at the Mad Dog Inn 4131 Yaquina Bay Rd. Newport, Oregon in his honor incorporating it with their “End of Summer” Barbecue celebration.
And also a second “Celebration of Life” in his honor October 7, 2023 at 2:30 pm in the afternoon at his son Shelby & Tanys Ross Home located at 6713 Rd. 8.8 S.E. Othello, WA.
With a Potluck, Music, and BYOB.
He will surely be missed but never forgotten! ❤️
In lieu of flowers donations would greatly be appreciated towards his funeral expenses or Disabled American Veterans of Washington (DAV). https://www.dav.org/