James Bureau obituary

SANDY, ORE. — Sandy resident James Bureau died at his home with his loving family beside him on Monday, Jan. 31 after a long battle with cancer.  He was 61.

A celebration of his life was held at Sandy Funeral Home on Thursday, Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. 

James Allen Bureau was born on Nov. 23, 1949 in St. Ignatius to Florence McDougall.  Jim was adopted and raised by Henry and Hazel Bureau in Polson and received his schooling there. 

On Jan. 27, 1969 Jim entered the U.S. Marine Corps.  He was honorably discharged on May 15, 1970.  He then furthered his education and attended electrical trade school in Salt Lake City, Utah.  One year later, he received his electrician’s certificate.

In 1971, Jim married Barbara Donovan, whom he had met in high school.  They had two children, Joseph and Angela.  They were later divorced.

In August of 1977, Jim met his future wife, Brenda Bevier.  They were united in marriage on Jan. 7, 1978.  They had two children together, Tyler and Danny and raised their four children in Sandy. For the last 15 years, Jim owned and operated Sandy Chainsaw.  He was a well loved and respected man of the Sandy community.

Jim enjoyed coaching his boys during baseball and football season and kart racing.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and entertaining.  He spent time golfing and riding his Harley.  Jim lived life to the fullest and had a zest for life.  He took great pride in running his business and his heritage as a tribal member of the Flathead, Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

Surviving is his wife Brenda of 34 years; his sons, Joe Bureau and wife Tara of Boise, Idaho, Tyler Bureau and wife Meredith of Sandy and Dan Bureau and wife Kelsey, of Boise, Idaho, and his daughter, Angela Endicott and husband Jacob of Sandpoint, Idaho; his sister Debra Earling, of                Missoula; his brothers, Dennis Earling of Spokane, Wash. and Robbie Earling, of Missoula; six grandchildren, Taylor, Ella, Aubrey, Jack, Colton and Lucas and many cherished friends.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Sandy V.F.W. Post #4273 – P.O. Box 404 Sandy, Oregon 97055.