Obituary of James Radcliff Demaray

James Radcliff Demaray

Vancouver, Washington

June 19, 1936 ~ September 12, 2018

James Radcliff Demaray was born June 19, 1936 at the home of his parents Byron and Ruth Demaray in Junction City, Oregon. James graduated from Battle Ground high school in Battle Ground, WA in 1954. In 1956, James married Donna Keller. Later in November of 1963 he married the love of his life, Bertha Lee Neakrase and they settled in Palm Springs, California. There, he professed his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized in 1964 in his Pastor’s backyard pool.

James joined the Air Force for a brief term in 1955 and later received an honorable discharge. He enjoyed a long career at the United States Postal Service. He was a postal carrier in Palm Springs, CA and in Vancouver, WA where he relocated in 1965.  Later, James was a Postal Supervisor at several locations in the Vancouver area. His favorite position was the Manager of the Mush Ball team which the Post Office sponsored. He remained with the US Postal Service until his retirement in1980.  

After retiring, James was busy working and serving at Brush Prairie Baptist Church.  James did everything from lawn maintenance, janitorial services, general handyman and bus/van driver.  He and Bertha would volunteer at Dunes Bible summer camp to clean up and get the camp ready for the summer activities. Days were spent painting and doing repairs on both camp sites. James loved serving the Lord through driving buses and vans for the church. He logged numerous miles driving for almost every church group or activity. His longest drive was a youth group mission trip in Mexico

James will be most remembered by his Love for his family. He always made time for his family and loved being with, and cheering on his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren for any of their activities. James loved to reminisce about stories with his siblings, especially the tales and antics with his brother Ronny. 

James was preceded in death by his parents: Byron and Ruth Demaray, his siblings Alpha Ruth, Martha, Margorie, William, Nova, Connie, Donald. He is survived by his wife, Bertha; his children, Linda Powers, James (Kathy), Debra (Byron) Walden, Peter (Robyn), Phillip (Sylvia); 5 grandchildren: Jennifer (Brian) Owings, Ciara, Addison, Lucy, and Karsyn; 6 great-grandchildren – Kaitlyn, Nadia, Brian, Allie, Olivia, Emily; Brothers Dale and Ronny (Claire); and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.