August 18, 2008

James 'J.K.' Kenneth Wilde

     James “J.K.” Kenneth Wilde, 77, long-time resident of Wishram, died in an assisted-care facility in The Dalles on Friday, Aug. 15, 2008.
     Born in Artesia, New Mexico, Jan. 16, 1931, to Clarke J. Wilde and Margaret Owen Wilde, the family moved to Parkdale when Jim, the youngest of eight children, was five. They later moved to Hood River, then to Goldendale where he attended high school.
     In March 1955, he signed on as a brakeman with the SP&S Railroad. Over a 47-year career, he experienced the last days of the steam engine and spent many more years working the Pasco, Oregon trunk, working as yardmaster before working the Lyle Local and the West Local, retiring in 1993 as conductor.
     In 1950, he married Patricia Sheridan and was preceded by her death in 1981. Their children include Lynna Marie Lemarr, John James Wilde, Dordena Jane Wolfe, Shannon Patrice Wilson and Katina Luree Marie Renner.
     In 1988, he married Shirley Chamberlen. Together, with her daughter Kristi, they resided in Wishram.
     He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his son and friends, dancing at the Eagles with his wife, and spending time with friends and family.
     He is survived by his wife Shirley, brother Carl Wilde, sister Dorothy Smith, his six children, 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
     He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia, daughter Trisha Wilde, granddaughter Kai Nagel, grandson Cody Wilson, sister Ruth Snarr and brothers Walter, Willis, Clark and Arthur Wilde.
     Pallbearers include Chris Wilde, Pat Wolfe, Elija Renner, Kyle Renner, Fred Adams, Steve Smith and Stuart Nagel. Honorary Pallbearers include John Wilde, Bill Wolfe, Dave Renner, Tom Wilson, Bill Wilkerson, Wayne Bryson, Vince Jussila, Gene Colver, Doug Holbrook and Bill Wormington.
     Viewing visitation will be from 2 p.m. until the Rosary at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at St. Peter Catholic Church at 11 a.m. with Rev. Todd Unger officiating. Burial Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Goldendale Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery in Goldendale. Arrangements are in the care of Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home.
     The family would like to give a special thanks to Laura, Summer, Clyde and Joe from Heart of Hospice. Memorial contributions may be made to Heart of Hospice, 1280 Alameda Rd., Hood River, OR 97031.