James Dale Brownlee

JAMES DALE BROWNLEE March 23, 1935 ~ February 12, 2018 James Dale Brownlee passed away peacefully at his home in Pasco, WA on February 12, 2018 at the age of 82 years. He was born in Kidder, MO on March 23, 1935 to Dale and Roberta Brownlee. Jim, his younger brother Leeman, and his mother moved to Springfield, OR, when Jim was a young man. They later moved to Camas, WA where he graduated high school in 1953. Jim married Claudette and they had 3 children together; Sheri, Jim, and Jeff. He worked at the Crown Zellerback papermill. In 1964, he married Shirlee, they began raising their blended family of 6 children with the addition of Kina, Danette and Michael. In 1967, Jim went to work for The Bonneville Power Administration until his retirement in 1996. During his time with BPA, Jim held many titles such as Journeyman Electrician, Foreman II, and Foreman III in places such as Chehalis, Midway (twice), and Pasco. Jim was a hard worker with a strong sense of integrity and ethics. He was an excellent planner/scheduler with great attention to detail. He held firm the belief that if you got paid for 8 hours, you should do the work for 8 hours. His hard work led to him being chosen to serve on many committees and specialized job assignments. Jim was a good leader and believed strongly in leading by example. After his retirement, he pursued his love of motorcycles. Jim used his attention to detail and spent countless hours rebuilding and restoring classic motorcycles with his good friend Jim Matthiesen. He spent even more hours scouring eBay for the perfect parts, the result of which was the completion of many beautiful motorcycles including some award winning ones. He always made a point to make it to his kids and grandkids activities to support and cheer them on. Jim was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Twisters Motorcycle Club from Washougal and Camas, and the Retro Riders of Tri-Cities. Although this only touches on a few experiences, he had a life full of stories and memories that he loved to share. Jim is survived by Shirlee, his wife of 53 years; his son, Michael of Pasco; son, James of Woodland; his estranged son, Jeff of Yakima; granddaughter, Mikayla, whom he and Shirlee raised from the age of 16 months; granddaughters, Melissa and Hannah; as well as 10 other grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. He also had many nieces and nephews that loved him dearly. As well as countless "adopted" children. He was loved and respected by many. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale, Glenna, and Roberta; his brother, Leeman; and his daughters, Kina, Danette and Sheri. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at 12:30p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Vancouver, WA. Arrangements entrusted to Mueller's Greenlee Funeral Home in Pasco, WA. Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits. Funeral Home Mueller's Greenlee Funeral Home 1608 West Court Street Pasco, WA 99301 (509) 547-3316

James Dale Brownlee

March 23, 1935 - February 12, 2018