Cletus Lott

Cletus "Jim" Lott of Vancouver, WA, passed away on July 4, 2010 surrounded by his children, wife, and step-children. He was born in Seminary, MS on Aug. 30, 1921. He was one of 11 children born to Bertha Mae (Huffman) and Thomas Harris Lott. Jim enlisted in the Navy in 1939. His navel career was distinguished by many honors. The one he was most proud of was becoming the youngest Chief Gunners Mate (age 20) in the history of the Navy in 1941. Jim spent Christmas, 1941, cleaning up from the December 7th bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was honorably discharged from the service in 1945. He truly was one of the "Greatest Generation". Jim and Nona were married February 14, 1944. Jim and his new wife, Nona (still newlyweds), settled in the Pacific Northwest, living in Centralia, Longview, and the last 49 years in Vancouver. After leaving the Navy, Jim supported his family as a logger. Jim worked hard to improve his education, attending school at night while supporting his family, working full-time during the day. After four years of school, he succeeded in his goal to become an industrial electrician. Jim spent much of his free time in the woods, hunting, fishing and camping with his family. All his grandchildren learned to fish and hunt under his patient tutelage. Jim became a Master Gardner and volunteered for the County Extension Agency. He loved his gardens. Other interests included photography, travel, rumicube, pinochle and no one could best him at cribbage. But most of all he loved his grandchildren. Jim was married 49 years to his first wife, Nona, who passed away in 1993. He then met and married the second love his life, Delores, in 1995. Jim is survived by his wife, Delores; daughter, Loretta (Jesse) Corralez; sons, Jack (Robin) and Charles (Sheri); step-daughters, Roxinne (Gichi) Savoretti and Karen (Curt) Nohrenberg; step-son, Arlan (Pat) Ervasti; brother, Greg Lott; sister, Francis Gibson; grandchildren, Troy (Rika), Brian, Eric (Molly), Shelly, Stephanie (Brandon), Scott and Ann; and numerous step-grandchildren from his wife Delores. The man was an institution by which all that knew him shall measure their lives. His acceptance of change His pride balanced by humility His welcoming of all, without regard to race, religion or orientation His ability to teach yet not lecture His open effort to help anyone who needed help His love of the Constitution His self discipline His ability to love, and love again His strength to the end In his last few words when his wife told him "We were a good couple", he whispered, "We 'are' a good couple". We will all miss him very much.

Cletus Lott

August 30, 1921 - July 4, 2010