May 7, 1929 – March 25, 2010

James (Jim) William Cameron, born May 7, 1929, in Mason County, Texas, son of the late Lee David Cameron and Nellie Z. Westbrook, died March 25, 2010, from complications after a fall on the 10th of January, of this year.

He leaves his first wife, Lavera Mae McCormick Istrice, mother of their four children; Linda Cameron of Reno, NV; Clifford R. Cameron of Sparks, NV; Lisa N. Shores of Las Vegas, NV; and their late son, James Dustin (Dusty) Cameron. He also leaves his present wife, Donna Lea Cameron of 47 years and her daughter, Judy L. Dell’Era Guzzardo; son-in- law, Chris C. Guzzardo and Donna Lea’s two grandsons, Justin and Sean Guzzardo, all of Kirkland, WA.

Jim leaves a legacy of eight grandchildren; Lawrence (Larry) G. Claus of Sparks, NV; Karma Cameron Atencio of Priest River, ID; Valarie Hansen Serrano of Lovelock, NV; Jeremy R. Haggerty of CA; Jason T. Thompson of CA; Bobbi-Lynn Haggerty Curtis of Reno, NV; Michael J. Cameron of Grass Valley, CA; and Angela Seagrave Turner of Scotts Valley, CA.

From these eight grandchildren he has 20 great-grandchildren: Nicole Ann Serrano; Shawn Douglas Haggerty; Karena Noreen Serrano; Kegan Atencio Haggerty; Brittany Ray Ann Thompson; Trint Noble Thompson; Dakota Haggerty; Natasha Lee Claus; Corban Amelio Reyes; Jakobie Atencio Haggerty; Chasity Annette Thompson; Nathan James Serrano; Kale-Lynn Sands; Maleah Ashley Trevino; Kaleb Micheal Serrano; Savyon Roger Curtis; Donavin James Claus; Connor Thomas Claus; Karlee Rae Turner; and Aiden Kail Serrano. Jim’s first great-great- grandchild, Destinee Faith Rowon was born March 23, 2010.

Jim also leaves his brother, Jack J. Cameron of Coeur d’Alene, ID; and sisters, G. Vernell Moddison of Sacramento, CA and Wanda J. Boot of Vallejo, CA; late brother and sister, Lee David Cameron and Helen Hombach.

Jim was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Redmond 1st Ward. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp in WWII. Jim was an avid archer and rifle hunter and fisherman. He was a National Field Archery Instructor in his earlier years. He was Fire Chief at Marinwood Community Services District in San Rafael, California.

In 1968, Jim started his long desired ranching career in Montana and Northern California. He was owner/ operator of Bitter Root Fence Co. along with ranching in which he raised Simmental, Maine-Anjou, Polled Hereford cattle plus commercial cattle and Quarter Horses; all with his Lazy J Over Hanging C Brand. He put up many tons of hay and special horse hay and grew wild rice.

In 1988/89, Jim obtained his Idaho Real Estate License and was an agent with Century 21. In his first year of real estate, he became a member of the One Million Dollar Club for outstanding volume in sales.

He missed ranching so much he became the manager at the 7-W buffalo ranch out of Jordan, Montana overseeing 160,000 acres and 700 to 800 buffalo.

When Jim retired he became a manager for Northwest Land Management of California and worked with the Gifford Pinchot National Forestry of WA and the Mt. Hood National Forestry of OR, Zig Zag District for four years.

After his heart attack and bypass surgery in 1996, he retired in his home at Crooked River Ranch where he constantly improved the grounds and home. He had 10 fruit trees and loved to vegetable garden every year and kept the lawns green and cactus blooming.

As he wrote to President Ronald Reagan one time, ”I’m just an honest, loyal country boy”.

Celebration of the life of James W. Cameron will be announced at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Partners In Care, 2075 NE Wyatt Court, Bend, OR, 97701, or to your favorite charity.

Our heartfelt thanks to all those who prayed, gave care, concern and love for Jim and his family during his illness. His loving wife, Donna Lea.