James "Burl" Pemberton

Our much beloved dad, James “Burl” Pemberton, 89, passed away, on September 22, 2017, at his home in Grants Pass, OR. He was surrounded by family and with the love of many others who held him dear.

Dad was born in Ketchum, OK, to Clarence and Nancy Pemberton on August 8, 1928. He grew up living in Oklahoma and Nebraska with the family finally settling in Stayton, OR in 1934. Dad was a Radioman 3rd Class in the Navy during the Korean Conflict and spent 39 months aboard the USS Henrico. On September 21, 1956, he married his sweetheart, Veneta Louise Wallace, in Stayton, OR. He and Mom had 3 children and built a life living in Mehama, Lyons, Jordan Valley and Salem, OR. In 1965, Dad’s career with the Southern Pacific Railroad brought them to Grants Pass, OR, where they had their 4th child.

Dad loved our Mom and his family with all of his heart. He provided for us any way he could by working on the farm, in sawmills, delivering feed and then finally going to work for the railroad where he remained until retirement. Every decision he made was with us in mind. He desired that his life be a reflection of his relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and it truly was. He was a man of faith, integrity, strength of character and he valued hard work. He loved life and was always ready with a good joke. Dad loved to fish, work in his yard, read, go camping, spend time with family and friends but most of all, he loved being with mom. They were a team and where you found one, you'd find the other.

Dad was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Veneta; his parents; 3 of his brothers, LeRoy, Ray and Carl and his sisters, Louise and Lucille. He is survived by his son, David (Tara) Pemberton of Medford, OR; daughter, Mary (John) Calkins of Grants Pass, OR; daughter, Ruth Pemberton of Grants Pass, OR; daughter, Denise (Nathan) Burck of Kalama, WA; grandson, Ryan Hammond, granddaughter Kelsey Pemberton and grandson, Seth Pemberton all of Eugene, OR; granddaughter, Amber Calkins of Seattle, WA; grandson, Brian Calkins, granddaughter, Caitlin Calkins and granddaughter, Breann Pemberton all of Grants Pass, OR; grandson, Aaron (Hannah) Burck of Kalama, WA; grandson, Joshua (Corie) Burck of Minot, ND and great-granddaughter, Elliana of Kalama, WA; brother Merrell (Vickie) Pemberton of Sandy, OR; brother-in-law, Olin Wallace of Montara, CA ; brother-in-law Darrel (Sherryll) Wallace of Chariton, IA; and numerous, beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Hull & Hull on Thursday, October 5, 2017, from 3:00 - 5:00 pm

Funeral service will be held at Hull & Hull on Friday, October 6, 2017, at 10:00 am with Pastor Ron Marsh of Parkway Christian Center officiating. Burial will follow at Hawthorne Memorial Gardens

He and Mom are reunited in heaven, never to be separated again. For that, we are grateful.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. Psalm 116:15