Age 80, passed away on January 30, 2012 in Roseburg, Oregon. He was born April 21, 1931 in Caney, Oklahoma to parents Walter and Ollie Crites. He was married on August 14, 1954 to Sylvia.

James served in the Army during the Korean War, after being discharged from the service he moved to Oregon where he started his career in the timber industry and soon met his wife, Sylvia; they were together 58 years, having three children, six grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. He loved being with all his family and enjoyed doing anything in the outdoors hunting, fishing and cutting firewood.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Monday, February 6, 2012 between 1 p.m.- 3 p.m. at the Sutherlin Chapel of the Roses.