Josephine Marie James Lavadour
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Jan. 18, 1942 – Oct. 21, 2020
Parents were Stanilaus James and Eva Williams James. Maternal grandparents were McKinley Williams and Susie (Colalas) Williams. She grew up on the Umatilla Indian Reservation, spent many hours and days at “Granny’s” place along the Umatilla River. Attended St. Andrew’s Mission School and later Weston, Oregon high school.
She drove truck during pea and wheat harvest. Employed in early 1970’s at Tillicum Wiring Company at Mission, Lamb Weston plants in Hermiston. Later she was a homecare provider for family and community members. She also was a babysitter for not only her family nephews and nieces, but community children. She loved children.
She and Arnold were married in 1962 in Walla Walla, Washington. Forty-fifth year anniversary memorabilia was found during cleaning. People would never see one without the other. Both loved the outdoors, the mountains, and the creeks and rivers … camping, hunting, fishing, gathering foods and medicines and cutting wood was a family affair.
She and Arnold were very active with St. Andrew’s church, cleaning the church, taught CCD classes, attended many Kateri conferences, and Gonzaga University monthly to obtain certification to assist with church services.
She is survived by brothers Harry James, one daughter and five grandchildren, and Stanley James Sr., one son and one daughter and two grandchildren. Two sons, Maynard WhiteOwl-Lavadour and two grandchildren, and Anthony Lavadour.
Proceeding her in death brother Roy James Sr. and two children – daughter Roya James, one daughter and two grandchildren, and son Roy James Jr.; also deceased numerous cousins whose children, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren survive her.
Her family lineage included James, Wocatsie and Williams.
Burns Mortuary of Pendleton handled arrangements. Sign the online guestbook at www.burnsmortuary.com
