James O. Cline

James O. Cline passed away peacefully at Providence St. Mary Hospital on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, with his wife and daughter by his side.

Jim, an only child, was born on April 16, 1931, in Canton, Ohio, to Clyde and Doris (Oglevee) Cline. After graduating from Carrollton High School in 1949, he entered the U.S. Air Force where he served as a radar technician during the Korean War. Upon discharge, he was hired by General Electric, and on Dec. 27, 1953, he married Shirley Eileen Doughty in Carrollton.

The couple followed his positions with GE to Schenectady, N.Y., Kansas City, Mo., Syracuse, N.Y., and finally to Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc, Calif.

Jim retired from GE and became a manager for Sambo’s Restaurant, which led his family to Lewiston, Idaho. After several years, Jim and Shirley relocated to Seattle, where they managed an apartment building and also owned the Far West Tavern.

Retiring once again, the couple moved to Milton Freewater in 1994 to be closer to their daughter and son-in-law. In his later years, Jim worked for Sears in Walla Walla and for Ace Hardware in Milton-Freewater.

Jim was a member of the Milton-Freewater Christian Church, a lifelong member of the BPOE Elks, past exalted ruler of Ballard Lodge #827, and an active member of the Milton-Freewater Elks #2146.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Clarence and Doris Eckley; his father and stepmother, Clyde and Jane Cline; his son, James Robert Cline; and his grandson, James Bryan Cline. Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley Cline of Milton Freewater; daughter, Cathy (Tom) Baumgart of Walla Walla; granddaughters, Kimberly, Karen and Jamie; and great-grandchildren, Shaylynne, Bradlee and Douglas.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Camp Meadowood Springs or to the Tall Elks Therapy Program through Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home.

The family would like to acknowledge the fine care received by the Providence St. Mary ICU nursing staff and Dr. Matt Stroemel. Also, a special thank you to Pastor Steve Lyons for the many hours spent with the family during the 24 hours preceding Jim’s death.