James "Jim" Lee York Obituary (1929 - 2015)

James Lee (Jim) York, 86, of Baker City, died December 12, 2015 at Settler's Park in Baker City, OR. Jim was born February 15, 1929 to Paul York and Mabel Spearman York in Baker City, OR. He had one sister, Beverly York Staten. Jim graduated high school in 1946 at Baker High School. After high school, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy, where he was stationed in California and Hawaii during his service. While serving our country, he worked as a fireman in the engine room of the ship he was stationed on and he also crewed on a decommissioned PT boat that was sent to pick up debris around the Hawaiian Islands after WWII. Jim was honorably discharged from the United States Navy and returned to Baker City. In 1948 Jim and Varene Rogers York were married. Jim and Varene were married for 67 years and had two daughters; Terri Lynn York McKim and Julie Ann York Owens. Upon returning from his time spent in Navy, Jim worked for Silvens Laundry and later with his father, Paul York, Harold Staten and Bari Columbari at Crown Cleaners. After Harold and Bari left the business Jim and Paul owned and operated Crown Cleaners until Paul's death. It was then sold and Jim worked for the new owners until he retired in 2002 after 54 Years. Jim and his father built a cabin on the backup waters of Brownlee Dam in 1962 and he and his family and friends enjoyed boating, fishing, water skiing and bar-b-queuing for over 40 years at the cabin. He also had a beautiful rose garden and an orchard at the cabin, Jim also had additional roses at home he was proud of. Bird dogs were his passion. The last dog Jim had was his precious pal, Josie. Jim would take family and friends on bird hunts with the dogs and they always had plenty of birds to take home with them. His friend Don Doyle taught Jim how to fly airplanes and he owned his own airplane for a few years. Jim was active in the community and served two terms as a member of the city council. He was also a member of the Baker City Jaycees Club, as well as the Elks Lodge and Veterans Club. Jim always helped set up the 4th of July fireworks at the high school and he and Varene also frequently attended Baker High School's football games. He loved to feed squirrels, birds, and a stray cat or two and he always had a soft heart for all animals. Every morning Jim would meet his friends at McDonalds for coffee and conversation until he moved to Settler's Park. Jim is survived by his wife Varene York of Baker City, OR, daughter Julie York Owens and her husband Dean Owens of Salem, OR, sister Beverly Staten of Baker City and her two sons Mike and Chuck Staten, sister-in-law Patty Stockdale of Baker City and her son Scot Grovom of Mesa, AZ. Jim has five grandsons; Andrew, James and Eric Owens and their families, and Benjamin and Mike McKim and their families. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren and various other cousins and family members. He was preceded in death by both of his parents Paul and Mabel York, daughter Terri Lynn York McKim, and his brother-in-law Harold Staten. There will be no services held at his request. Memorial contributions may be made to Best Friends of Baker City through Gray's West & Company Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave. Baker City, OR. 97814.