Nov. 30, 1926 - July 20, 2012
Jim spent his childhood in camps where his parents, Paul and Bess, were loggers and graduated from Chiloquin High in 1945.
After the coast guard, Jim attended OSU in 1947, where he met and married Carol Werth.
Jim and Carol celebrated their 62nd Wedding Anniversary last fall.
Jim and Ken, his brother-in-law, partnered in the farm at Powell Butte that lasted and grew for over 40 years. Working closely with OSU, Wampler Werth farms developed and experimented with many varieties of Certified Seed Potatoes.
As a seed grower interested in developing international markets, Jim made many shipments of seed potatoes to more than a dozen countries in Europe, Asia and South America.
Jim was also instrumental in setting up the first meeting of the various state bargaining associations that eventually led to the formation of the Bargaining Assn. of North America.
Jim contributed in a significant way to agriculture and was honored as a member of the Diamond Pioneer Agricultural Career Achievement Registry. These are people who through their vision, their efforts, their accomplishments and through their support, have contributed in a significant way to agriculture. Jim served 11 years on the Oregon Potato Commission and traveled all over the world representing the commission.
Jim was preceded in death by a son, Steve. He leaves behind his wife, Carol; daughters, Susan and Mike Horvat, Debbie and Jeff Bitton; and son, John and Gina Wampler; along with eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Services will be on Wednesday, July 25, at 2:00 p.m., Calvary Lutheran Church, in Stayton, OR. Graveside, at Powell Butte Cemetery, July 26, at 10:00 a.m.
