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JAMES R. GREGG
June 22, 1927 ~ July 23, 2014
A wry and evocative wit departed on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 as James R. Gregg died peacefully in his sleep of age-related causes.
Born on June 22, 1927 to a Butte, Montana copper miner and his boardinghouse manager wife, Jim grew up paying assiduous attention to the Great Depression's impacts on those who struggled to make ends meet.
Following a sojourn in St. Maries, Idaho, Jim graduated from Spokane's Lewis and Clark High School in 1943 at sixteen years of age. Too young for military service, Jim continued his education at W.S.U. Jim joined Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, took a turn as Dr. Einstein in Arsenic and Old Lace , and met, but did not date, future wife Barbara Crabtree.
Jim enlisted in the Navy after he turned eighteen. He saw action in the Pacific Theater including Japan and China. Returning to Washington State for the 1956-1947 sessions, he graduated in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science.
On August 14, 1948, Jim and Barbara exchanged wedding vows. Their union would last until her unexpected death in 2006.
Jim lived in North Carolina from 1948-1951 while he earned his Law degree at Duke University.
Jim moved to Vancouver in 1952 to open a law office in the Schofield Building with classmate and Ridgefield native Jim Carty. Over the next decade, Jim kept offices, occasionally with a partner, in the Adams and Medical-Arts Buildings. In 1962, he purchased the Civil War-era Brown House, located at 400 West 11th Street, from William C. Bates, his friend and mentor. He practiced law in that house for more than fifty years.
Jim revered his membership in the Masonic Lodge, and served as the Order's Master in 1962. For more than sixty years, he loyally served St. Luke's Episcopal Church, and considered it his spiritual home.
Jim is survived by his son, Andy; daughter-in-law, Donna; brother, Judge Robert Harris; sister-in-law, Mary Jo Harris; nieces, Marie Sullivan and Joanna Butcher; nephew, Rob Harris; great-nephews, Jesse and Brady Weber; great-niece, Ashley Weber; cousin, Lisa Nunlist, Jennifer Weber.
Jim's life will be celebrated at St. Luke Episocpal Church on Saturday, August 23, 2014, at 6:00 p.m.
Please sign his guestbook at www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I knew James and Barbara most of my life. I always have loved visiting with both of them . In recent times I had some wonderful conversations with James. He shared a lot of his wisdom of life and a lot of his joyful memories. What a great man I am glad to have known him.
Karen Johnson
September 4, 2014
So sorry to hear about the loss of your father. May you be comforted by the warm memories that you shared with him. Our condolences to you and your loved ones~
The Merriman Family
August 29, 2014
My husband and I enjoyed Jim's quick wit, humor and expertise! We had the privilege of knowing him professionally for three decades. Our condolences to your families.
Rod and Suzane Koch
August 27, 2014
We are saddened to hear of Jim's passing. We were out of the country or would have attended the service. Our best to you Andy. You were a great son to a deserving father.
Dennise Davis Larson
August 26, 2014
I met Jim shortly after I began practicing law in Clark county. He and I had a few cases together and our friendship blossomed. His wry sense of humor and court room style was very enjoyable. Very often I would call him for some legal guidance and instead of answering my questions he would listen, mention the statutes and renew my desire to understand the breadth and depth of law. I consider him one of my legal mentors and his character and charm were a true gift to many. Thank you Jim for being such a good guy and I am sadden by your passing.
Terry lee
August 25, 2014
My husband, Jon, and I were the across-the-street neighbor of Jim. We will miss him greatly. He was funny, charming and caring. My grandson also loved to pop over and visit with him. He was always welcoming. Our sympathy to Andy and Donna.
Linda Detmers
August 21, 2014
Jim and Barbara were good friends to my parents Bill and Eulalie Proctor and always kind and gracious to me. Jim was the driest wit I knew. They were both much loved.
Tom and Ann Davis
August 21, 2014
Sorry we will miss the service. Jim and Barbara were good friends to my parents, Bill and Eulalie Proctor. All of us loved them dearly. Jim had the driest wit and such a way with words! He is loved much and will be missed.
Tom and Ann Davis
August 21, 2014
We enjoyed visiting with him so much. Over 30 years of shared work memories and milestones on both sides. Our sympathy to Andy & Donna.
Walt & Margie Brown
August 19, 2014
Jim Gregg was funny and kind to everyone, but he was kindest to the young or new lawyers. I once was one of those new lawyers, and I know. He lived by the rule, "be nice to everyone because you meet the same people on the way up as you do on the way down."
John McDonald
August 19, 2014
Sorry we will miss the service.
We remember Jim and Barbara with such fond memories. Jim was truly the wittiest speaker we know. He will be missed.
Nancy and Bob Laws
August 19, 2014
A good neighbor
Wilbur and Loreta Wood
August 18, 2014
Keith Dahl
August 18, 2014
He was truly a sweet and wonderful man that made the world a better place. He will be greatly missed
Jennifer Weber
August 17, 2014
Truly a sweet and wonderful man that left the world a much better place.
Jennifer Weber
August 17, 2014
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