James William Mcmaster

James William McMaster, age 87, of Grants Pass, died November 12, 2017 at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center.

James was born December 13, 1929 in Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada during the Depression. He was the third oldest of eleven children born to Angus & Alice McMaster. He quit school in the 11th grade to work and help support his family. On January 4, 1953 he married Bernice Kirkham. James worked in the oil fields and moved with the rigs a lot. He then worked for a major oil company in Canada for 12 years before moving to Alaska to work as a drilling foreman mostly offshore on many types of drilling and producing facilities. He also worked for three years in Louisiana and drilled in the Great Salt Lake. In 1986 he moved from Alaska to Brookings, Oregon for 16 years. He then moved to Eugene, Oregon where he married his wife, Mary on July 4, 2007. Together they moved to Grants Pass ten years ago.

James was a member of different golf courses over the years. He was also a member of Oregon Fish & Game raising salmon fry from eggs; and River Valley Community Church in Grants Pass. For two years he volunteered as a hospital escort in Eugene, Oregon.

Survivors include his wife, Mary A. McMaster of Grants Pass; a son, Douglas J. McMaster; two granddaughters, Christina Harris and Kimberly McMaster; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Helen Bumstead, and Shirley Anderson; and two brothers, Stan McMaster and Ted McMaster.

He was preceded in death by three sisters; three brothers; and his parents.

Remembrances may be made to River Valley Community Church.

A celebration of life will be at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, December 2, 2017 at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors with Pastor Chuck Kostrna officiating. Private interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Eugene, Oregon.