James R Volkman

Mr. Volkman was born May 22, 1925 in Cottonwood, Minnesota and died April 4, 2017 in Vancouver, Washington.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather and great-grandfather, James R. Volkman. His parents were August and Anna Lorenz Volkman and he was the youngest of five children. The family farm was in Amiret, Minnesota.

At the age of seventeen, he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in Hawaii during WWII. He remained a very proud veteran. After the war ended, he returned home to Minnesota where he met Shirley Meade. They were married in 1947 in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1951, they moved to Yakima to be near his sister Pearl. They had four children: Bonnie Little, Barbara Ramey, Steven Volkman and Annette Huss. They had a forty-acre fruit ranch in the West Valley area of Yakima. Dad also remodeled several houses. In their spare time, they had many friends that played pinochle, bowled, and had lutefisk dinners together. They were divorced in 1964.

In 1969, he married Gloria Knutson and they remained married until her passing in 2014. He, Gloria, and their dog Charlie spent their lives surrounded by family and good friends. He was hardworking and retired from Yakima Door at the age of 58. Dad could always be found in his woodshop building and crafting items. He also enjoyed dancing, bowling, golfing, playing pinochle, fancied himself as a pretty good pool player and loved roses. For eighteen years, they spent their winters in Arizona.

After Gloria’s’ passing, he moved to Vancouver, Washington to be closer to family. Dad is survived by his children and their spouses, step-children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, ex-wife, siblings, and parents.

Dad and Gloria will rest together at Tahoma Cemetery in Yakima, Washington. There will be a graveside service at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 29th, 2017 in the veterans’ section. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Keith and Keith Funeral Home, Yakima.

Gloria A. Volkman

Born September 23, 1928 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Albert and Lola Johnson who had six children. Gloria died on August 20, 2014 in Yakima, Washington.

Gloria was the widow of James Knutson and they had two children: Judy Johnson and Bob Knutson.

In 1969, she married James Volkman and they were together for forty-five years. For 36 years, she worked in the medical center and 20 of those years for Dr. Jay Sloop. She was a warm, supportive, and hard working person.

Gloria and Jim will rest together at Tahoma Cemetery across from the home they shared for many years. The graveside service will be held on April 29th, 2017 at 11:00 A.M.