James Erwin Jones of Lincoln City died peacefully at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital of acute leukemia. He was 83.

He was born to George W. and Maude Jones in Clarkston, Wash.

He graduated from Clarkston High School in 1945. Last June, he enjoyed attending his 64th class reunion.

Following graduation, Jim attended the University of Oregon; Eugene Bible College; received a Masters of Divinity from Mt. Angel Seminary; and obtained a PhD in psychology.

As an ordained minister, Jim pastored churches in Priest River, Idaho; Enterprise; and served Lincoln City Congregational Church for 20 years prior to his retirement in 1992.

Jim established and directed the first hospital chaplaincy program at North Lincoln Hospital.

He served on the board of directors at North Lincoln Hospital and also the Taft Fire Department.

Jim was a charter member and part president of the Lincoln City Rotary Club, a life member of BPOE and Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce “Man of the Year” in 1979.

Interested in astronomy, Jim constructed a telescope capable of observing stars of the 15th magnitude. He had a passion for steam trains and railroads and completed several model steam engines in his machine shop at home.

Jim enjoyed opera and classical music, reading and nature programs.

In his retirement years, he became an avid fisherman, and spent countless hours with Betty in their boat, fishing Chinook salmon on the Siletz River.

Winters were spent at their vacation home in Arizona, exploring the desert and enjoying numerous friends at Golden Vista Resort.

Jim will be lovingly remembered for his great sense of humor, integrity and compassion by all he encountered.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Vernon and Owen Jones.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; daughters Kimberly Carey and her husband Russell; Brenda Carlock and her husband Michael Schultz; son, Jonathan Jones and his wife, Holly; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and an extended family of relatives.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 17, at the Congregational Church, 1760 N.W. 25th St. Lincoln City.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim’s name can be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children or to a charity of choice.