Merlyn James "Jim" LaBounty died July 4th, 2014 at the age of 92 at his home in Hood River, Oregon with family by his side. James was born November 12, 1921 in Portland, Oregon. He grew up in Hood River Valley and attended Odell schools. He graduated from Odell High School in 1940. After graduating he went to Alaska and worked for defense contractors in Sitka and Kodiak. He served as a Signalman in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946. He married Linda Moilanen on July 27, 1946 in Stevenson, Washington. They moved to Anchorage, Alaska in 1947 and worked for contractors on Elmendorf AFB. While living in Alaska he earned his pilot’s license and owned his own single engine plane. He later purchased a service station and towing business and for several years was a partner in a cocktail lounge. He moved to Tillamook in 1961 and purchased a small wholesale beer and wine distributorship which he operated until the sale of the business in 1975. He drove chip truck from 1976 until his retirement in 1981. In retirement he did some travelling, made lawn ornaments and bird houses. He enjoyed his daily trip to the Elks to watch the pool players. He had a good sense of humor and loved animals, especially dogs. He was a member of the Tillamook Elks, Masons, Scottish Rite and Al Kader Shriners. He was also a member of the Teamsters during his working years. James is survived by his wife, Linda of Hood River, OR; half-brother, Roy Pierce of Vancouver, WA; nieces Sharon Phillips, Carolyn Stevens and Sally Moore of Hood River, OR; nephews, Roy E. Pierce of Hillsboro, OR and Dennis Downing of New Braunfels, TX. He was preceded in death by his mother, Thora Miller Pierce, father Leo LaBounty and stepfather Roy Pierce. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Oregon Humane Society, PO Box 11364, Portland, OR 97211-0364 and Hospice of the Gorge.