Obituary: Blaine, Dr. James Leighton
Age 90
He took his first train ride home to Colville, Wa where he grew up and graduated from Colville High School in 1942.
He served his country in the Army Air Corps.
during WWII in the South Pacific Arena as a tail gunner on a B-25 airplane.
On May 4,1947 he married Ann Graham of Colville and together they raised nine children.
Jim studied veterinary medicine at Washington State University, receiving his doctorate degree on May 30, 1954.
He worked for the U. S. Department of Agriculture for 30 years before retiring in 1985, making his retirement home in Corvallis, OR.
His many passions in life included his love of family and friends, fishing, gardening, laughter and watching college basketball.
Jim is survived by eight of his children: Thomas Valley Ford, WA, Kebbie Olson Albany, OR, Theresa (Kelley) Garrett Washougal, WA, Tim (Susan) Oregon City, OR, Rob Boise, ID, Mary (Mike) Arte Spokane, WA, Brad Eugene, OR, Margie Spokane, WA; and many nieces and nephews.
He was affectionately known as “Gramps” by his 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Ann (2008); son James G. Blaine (1968); son-in-law Russell E. Olson (1997).
Services will be Friday, July 24, 2015, 11am, at The Chapel of the Three Companions on the campus of Gonzaga Preparatory School, E. 1224 Euclid, Spokane, WA; reception to immediately follow; graveside services at 2:00 pm at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Arrangements handled by Fisher Funeral Home, Albany, OR and Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services of Spokane, WA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Washington State College of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 647010, Pullman, WA 99164.