Jim was born on June 13, 1928 in Success, Arkansas to John Lester and Lida Ethel Maddox; during the difficult times of both the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. Sadly, both of his parents died in the winter of 1937, when he was just 8 years old. Shortly thereafter, he was brought to Oregon and raised by his Aunt and Uncle, Harvey and Nettie-Helen Walker, of Salem, Oregon.
Through a series of hardships and loss, Jim grew to become one of the most enduring and resilient men we would know. Year after year, his tough exterior softened and he grew gentler and sweeter. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him would often remark on “what a special guy” he was.
He graduated from Salem High School in 1948. Soon after graduation he joined the Marine Corp and proudly served his country as a communications specialist during the Korean Conflict. Jim loved his country and was rarely seen without his beloved “Korean War Veteran” hat on.
He married his wife of 55 years, Yvonne Elaine Gustafson on December 14, 1952 in Carson City, Nevada. In the first years of their marriage, they managed the Deer Creek Ranch in Sheridan, Oregon. It was here that they welcomed their three children, Delton, Darla and Dwight into the family.
In the summer of 1959, they packed up and moved to what would become the family farm, in Dallas, Oregon for the next 62 years.
Jim worked for the Oregon Highway Department’s, Maintenance Section until an injury forced his early retirement in 1974.
Jim was mostly a home body, who cherished his family and his farm. He enjoyed gardening, reading, wood-carving and fishing. He lived by a simple philosophy: “Do what you have to do before you do what you want to do.”
Jim is survived by his children, Dwight (Deon) Maddox, Darla (Ken) Stoneman, granddaughter, Katie (Tim) Bellinger-Knudsen, and great-grand-daughter, Elliot Bellinger, all of Salem, Oregon. He is preceded in death by his wife Elaine, son Delton, grandson Brandon, and brother Wayne Maddox.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Willamette Valley Hospice and Dallas Retirement Village for the outstanding care they provided. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a future date.
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