James "Jim" Church

Jim Church, 81, of Richland, Oregon died on October 20, 2020 at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho with his family at his side.

 James Clifford Church was born on October 7, 1939 in Baudette, Minnesota to Clark and Zella (Donnelly) Church.  He was raised and attended school in Banks, Oregon.  Jim joined and served in the Navy from 1956 to 1959.

 He met Salina Lee Gilbert while the two were working at Vallecito Lake in Colorado.  They were married on August 16, 1964 and had 4 children, Thomas, the twins Linda and Victor, and Angela. During their growing up years, the kids would cringe when they heard their Dad say "I'm ready to relax."  What that really meant was let's go weed the garden or get a load of wood!!!!

Jim worked as a Honda motorcycle mechanic in Boise, Idaho for several years.  Then for the next 36 years he made his living as a brick mason. His talent in brick work created driveways, homes, fireplaces and hearths.

 Jim enjoyed woodworking and he made amazing things.  He made all of the furniture in their home, shelves, cupboards, and he made clocks for many.  Out of a block of wood he would make candleholders.  Jim made a beautiful jewelry box for Salina with her name inlayed on it and not a nail was used, he was a "genius when it came to woodworking."

 A special time in their lives was when they purchased their home in Richland, Oregon next to Eagle Creek.  He and Salina enjoyed and had a love of gardening. And according to his boys, after a hard day’s work, nothing tasted better than a cold Coor's beer.

 Jim's favorite's included his dog Princess Maggie, the color blue, and the poem the "Cremation of Sam McGee."  And he loved to say "Keep a wrinkle in it!!!!  or "If your hands are in your pockets you can't accomplish anything”.

 He was proudest of his home and family, and for always working hard.  Jim was known for his famous fried potatoes and onions, and while cooking would say "Don't touch my food."

He was preceded by his parents, children James Clifford Church Jr., Linda Garret and Angela Church; brother Jack Church and sister Betty McCormick.

 Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Salina; sons Thomas Church and wife Kenna of Boise, Idaho, Victor Church and his wife Rhonda of Cascade, Idaho; 7 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and Princess Maggie.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of Jim, the family suggests the Hilary Benevolent Fund through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834.  Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com