Melvin Warren James, 80, of Sweet Home went to be with the Lord on Jan. 27, 2023.
Mel spent his childhood swinging in the trees on the Oregon Coast along with his six brothers. He raised his family in Sweet Home and worked in the timber industry until he medically retired.
He was a member of Crawfordsville Calvary Chapel, where he was captain of the coffee machine, master of folding the bulletins and really shined as a greeter.
Mel enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping. As a long-time collector, he had an impressive display of hats and pocket knives. You could often find him tinkering in his “Dog House.”
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially his loving wife of 52 years, Judy, his family, and friends who knew him as “Wiggy.”
Mel is survived by his wife Judy; their son Jim; daughters Jenny and Wendy; sons-in-law George and Chuck; eight grandchildren, Michael, Drew, Matthew, Darriene, Avrie, Noah, Randi, and Jenny; and blessed with five great-grandchildren: Karson, Lia, Zander, Alivia and Paizlei.
Viewing will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at Crawfordsville Calvary Chapel. Celebration of Mel’s life will follow at 1 p.m.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.