Edward James Converse

Edward James Converse, age 73, a fourth generation resident of Wolf Creek, Oregon, locally known as 'Jim' or 'Wolf Creek Jim', passed away Monday, October 29, 2012, in Albany, Oregon, the victim of lung cancer. His daughter, Vera Converse and brother, Paul T. Converse were at his bedside.

Jim was born September 19, 1939 to Paul C. and Florence J. Converse in Portsmouth, VA, where his father was serving with the U.S. Navy. The family returned to Wolf Creek, his mother's girlhood home, in 1946, making their residence on property adjacent to his great-grandparents former homestead. Jim grew up on the family ranch on Mackin Gulch, south of Wolf Creek, and attended Grants Pass High School briefly, before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, in 1957. Jim served in the Navy, from 1957 to 1966. Subsequently, he returned to Wolf Creek, where he shared ownership in several mining claims, and entertained audiences with his original poetry. He published a book of his 'Scriblings' in 2000. His hobbies were writing poetry and gold mining. He enjoyed entertaining groups with his poetry, with his somewhat colorful and Mark Twainish miner's persona of 'Wolf Creek Jim'. He was always willing to help others, even when he was worse off than they were. Tragically, he was the one that discovered the body of Everett Oden, his lifelong friend and mining partner, after Everett was killed in a mine collapse.

He attended Grants Pass High School, but did not graduate, choosing instead to enlist in the U.S.Navy, at the age of 18, and served in Naval Aviation ratings for nine years.

His recent residence has been on the family ranch on Mackin Gulch, south of Wolf Creek.

Survived by brothers, Paul T. Converse of Wellington, Nevada;
Leander D. Converse of Darby, Montana; and
Matthew D. Converse of Connor, Montana;
Daughter Vera Converse, of Albany, Oregon, and
Grandsons Jacob McDonald and Christopher McDonald.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul C. and Florence J. Converse, a former wife, Jean, a sister, Patricia A. Lowcock, a brother, David Dean Converse, and a foster brother, John Van Patter.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 3, 2012, at the Wolf Creek Community Church, Wolf Creek, Oregon, with Pastor Brian Crawford officiating. Burial will be at the Wolf Creek Cemetery.