John McCormick James of Hood River, Oregon passed away peacefully at the Mid-Columbia Medical Center of The Dalles, Oregon on August 8th, 2012. He was born July 10, 1929 in Rural Retreat, Virginia to David C. and Elva (McCormick) James. Due to failing health, John had resided at the Veterans Home in The Dalles for the past ten months.

John’s father passed away in December of 1929 and he was raised by his mother and step-father, James Sexton. The family lived in Vale, Oregon where as a young man he tended many a sheep heard and loved eating mutton with lots of fat. He said using the grease off his mutton in his pancakes, which he called “grease cakes” saved him from having to grease his frying pan. He grew up around horses and was quite the bucking bronc rider in his day. John continued his love of horses throughout his life and was a farrier (horse shoer) for most of his adult life.

John served proudly in the U.S. Army and became a sergeant in the Korean War. He was discharged honorably and because of shell shock, he was a disabled veteran. John spoke proudly of his service.

John had been married three times before he found "the best woman in the world", as he would say, that being Velma I. Lauritsen. They were married in Stevenson, Washington on June 9, 1980. In their early years of marriage they liked to travel to Reno, Nevada, they also liked to spend time in Lincoln City on the Oregon Coast.

John was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends. We will miss his stories told many cups of coffee.

John was preceded in death by his parents and two stepsons, Morris and Lance Lauritsen. He leaves behind his wife of 32 years, Velma James of Hood River, Oregon; stepdaughter, Renee Vickers; stepson, Kerry Lauritsen and his wife, Cindy Lauritsen; daughter-in-law, Becky Lauritsen; many grandchildren; great grandchildren; numerous cousins and other distant family.