Lenard James

On Saturday, June 21, 2014 a wonderful man got his final reward. We lost a great father-uncle-brother-friend but heaven got a beautiful angel. Lenard E. James came into this world on May 28, 1932 in Picher, Oklahoma born to Lon & Stella James. When old enough he joined the Marine Corp. He served proudly from December 22, 1949 until May 13, 1952 during which time he was deployed to Incheon, Korea. While there the military vehicle he was riding in was blown up. Lenard was given an honorable discharge due to his injuries. He was awarded a Purple Heart Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Medal. Lenard’s service to the military did not end there. He was a lifetime member of the VFW & the DAV. He was a past post commander and also someone that fellow veterans could reach out to. Other loves he had were his family and fishing, not always in that order. He loved making custom fishing rods for others. He was also an animal lover always having at least one dog. Lenard was preceded in death by his mom and pop Stella and Nelson Bownan, his sister Mary Ann Seltz; daughter Dava Lee Williamson, and ex-wife Francis James. He leaves behind 2 brothers Lonnie (Sue) James and Jerry Starzinski; daughter Robbie JoeAnn (Bob) Desoto; son in law Bobby Williamson; granddaughters Robbin and Amanda; grandson, Michael; nieces Faith Seltz, Ginger James; nephews Charles Seltz and Shawn James as well as many many other great and great great nieces/nephews and grandchildren; his travel companion and very dear friend Rose and Sparky. He will be greatly missed because he was greatly loved. Rest in Peace, you earned it. A graveside service with Military honors will be held at West Hills Memorial Park 2:00 PM, Tuesday, July 1, 2014. Valley Hills Funeral Home in Yakima is in care of the arrangements. Online tributes may be shared at www.valleyhillsfh.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lenard James, please visit our flower store.