Raymond James

Ray James passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at the Yakima Astria Regional Hospital surrounded by his family, at the age of 83. He was born April 5, 1935 to Thompson and Marie (Craig) James in Tacoma, WA. He received his education from Wapato High School graduating in 1954 and a week later, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. After honorably discharged, he married the love of his life, Tucelia Logie on November 30, 1957 and raised their four children and Foster children on the Yakama Reservation. He dedicated his entire life serving his country, community, and the Yakama Nation. He was a television repairman, meat-cutter, YN Tribal Police officer, BIA & Tribal Purchasing officer and retired as a Tribal Councilman. He enjoyed serving his community for 13 years as the assistant coach for the Wapato High School girls basketball; head coach for Wapato HS Girls softball; Wapato school board member; and Filipino Mahubay community board. He’s one of the founding members of the Yakama Warriors Association and was an active member of the Yakima-Kittitas Marine Corps League Detachment. He enjoyed family-related activities; hunting, fishing, playing softball & basketball with the Papooses in his younger years; going to Dusty Puddles Estate sales and watching old western movies. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Tom, William, Harvey Boyd, Joseph, Alvina, Jeanette, Marie, and Betty. Survived by his beautiful wife of 61 years, Tucelia “Chub,” children: Debbie, Kathy (Lloyd) Barkley of Pendleton, OR; Alvin (Cindy) of Yakima, WA; Evelyn, and Billy Tahkeal; six grandchildren: Charles One-Skunk, Ricky Hilario Jr., Victor Barkley, Tucelia Barkley, Darlene Barkley, Aiyana James, and Raymond James, Chloe James, Jessica, Sarah, and adopted grandson Kyle Scott. Six great-children: Ricky, Roman, & Rayden Hilario; Elias & Mynah Hayes, and Waluxpykee Barkley; sister-in-laws: Melissa James and Suzie (Carl) Sutterlict; special friends: Vic and Chris Ganuelas and many nieces & nephews. Ray will be remembered as a proud Marine, loving husband & father, and loyal friend. We’ll miss his soft-spoken demeanor, leadership, friendship, loyalty, and humor. Burial will be held on Friday, January 18, 2019 at the Reservation Community Memorial Park in Wapato, WA at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Ray James Scholarship Fund at the Wapato School District office. “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Raymond James, please visit our flower store.