James Beyl

James Lee Beyl, age 76, resident of Oak Harbor, Wash., passed away Sept. 23, 2014, at his home and took the journey to go to our heavenly father. James was born May 27, 1938 in Fairview, Mont., to Edwin and Hertha Beyl.

James moved to Glendive, Mont., as a young boy and graduated from Datson County High School. James started dating Ellen Boese after graduating from high school. A year later, he enlisted in the United States Navy. His first duty station was Hernando, Miss.

James married the love of his life in Mississippi June 17, 1958, and their journey together began.

Jim and Ellen ventured to many places while in the Navy and began to start a family. They had three daughters: Sherri, Kim and Jamie; and they had a son, James.

They lived in Tennessee, Hawaii, California, Nevada and made Washington their home. While in the Navy, James did a tour on a military ship during the Vietnam War.

James and Ellen fell in love with Oak Harbor and decided to retire here and call it home. After retiring from the United States Navy, James went to work for the City of Oak Harbor as a city engineer. He worked for the city for 24 years and retired.

In 2000, James and Ellen decided to move back to their own hometown in Glendive, Mont. But in 2007, James had a stroke and they found themselves moving back to Oak Harbor to be near their daughter so she could care for them.

James was an active member of the Lutheran Church. James was a past exalted ruler of the Elks Lodge during his station in Fallon, Nev.

He also was a past member of the VFW and American Legion. James was an avid sportsman and loved to fish, crab, hunt and camp. He loved the water so much that he always made sure to have a boat to do the things he loved.

He loved to invite family and friends over and make them messy crab and barbecue. He enjoyed teaching his grandkids to fish and camp. For a time, he owned a lakeside lot at Lake Tyee and so many wonderful memories were made there.

James is survived by his daughters, Sherry (Brian) Nussmeier, of Evansville, Ind., and Jamie (Roger) Beaumont, of Oak Harbor, Wash.; his son, James Beyl, of Jacksonville, Fla.; two sisters, Bev (Don) Buxbaum and Linda (Bill) Gregg; his brother, Edwin (Diane) Beyl; 12 grandchildren, John Nussmeier, Jennifer Calvert, Tyson Jeans, J.E. Blythe, Kyle Sanders, Marcus Nussmeier, Cera Blythe, Sarah Nussmeier, Cody Sanders, James Beyl III, Hunter Beyl and Nathan Blythe; and eight great-grandchildren.

James is preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Ellen Jean Beyl, in 2013; his beautiful daughter, Kim Blythe, in 2009; two sisters, Betty and Sheila; one brother, Glenn; his mother, Hertha Entzel Beyl; and his father, Edwin Beyl.

A celebration of James’ life will be held 9:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29 at Wallin Funeral Home with Pastor Roosevelt Rumble officiating. Military honors will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery. A reception for family and friends will follow.

Please visit James’ page in the Book of Memories at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences. Memorials on behalf of Jim may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Oak Harbor.

Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, LLC, Oak Harbor, Wash.