Jimmie Voorhies

Jimmie D Voorhies, age 81, passed away on September 26, 2018, with his family by his side. He was born on May 27, 1937 in the home of his great grandparents, John and Katherine Henderson to Hubert and Cleo Voorhies near Datto, Arkansas. Shortly after his 17th birthday in May 1954, Jim joined the United States Navy. He had an interesting career as a 3rd Class Quarter Master and was stationed on the aircraft carriers the Yorktown and Cape Esperance. His time in the Navy took him to many different places around the world including Pakistan, Turkey, Morocco, Portugal, Guam, the Philippines, and Japan. After his honorable discharge he moved to Washington State with his family where he later met the love of his life, Arlene. They were married for 26 years and had one son, Rod. Jim loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them whenever he could. Summer BBQ's, birthday celebrations, and Thanksgiving were among his favorite get-togethers. He also loved singing and playing the guitar his entire life. He and his brother Jerry, formed a band called the Wranglers who played in Yakima Valley for nearly 20 years. Jim’s other passions included the church he belonged to and his career as an orchardist for the past 40 years. He is survived by his son, Rod Voorhies; his granddaughters Maegan (Charlie) and Morgan Voorhies; his sister Linda (Willie) Stillwaugh Johnson; his brother Jerry (Nancy) Voorhies and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who loved him very much. He is preceded in death by his wife, Arlene Voorhies; his father, Hubert Voorhies; his mother, Cleo Voorhies; and his brother Denny Voorhies. The family would like to give special thanks to Cottage in the Meadows of Yakima for the care they provided to Jim. At Jim's request, graveside services will be held at Zillah Cemetery on October 12th at 1pm. He will be incredibly missed by all. “Oh! We ain't got a barrel of money Maybe we're ragged and funny But we'll travel along Singing a song Side by side I don't know what's comin tomorrow Maybe it's trouble and sorrow But we'll travel the road Sharing our load side by side Through all kinds of weather What if the sky should fall? Just as long as we're together It really doesn't matter at all When they've all had their quarrels and parted We'll be the same as we started Just traveling along Singing our song Side by side" To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jimmie Voorhies, please visit our flower store.