James Oscar Rumpel

James O. Rumpel

June 26, 1936 - September 16, 2023. 

James O. Rumpel (Jim) of Pendleton, Oregon passed away peacefully to be with the Lord with his loving wife of 63 years by his side.  He was 87 years old.

Jim was born June 26, 1936 in Nampa Idaho to the late Oscar & Irene (Reimers) Rumpel.  Jim attended school in Nampa, Idaho and upon graduation he enlisted in the Air Force for 4 years.  One of his stations was in Unalakleet, Alaska in which he loved to share stories.  Jim returned to Nampa and began working at Idaho Concrete and Pipe Co.  While in Nampa he met his future wife, LaVera Johnson.  They were married August 1960.

Jim and his wife moved to Ontario, Oregon learning the construction business.  He soon started Rumpel Construction building custom homes, remodeling, etc.  While living in Ontario, he and his wife were blessed with a son, Douglas Rumpel.  Jim moved his family to rural Fruitland, Idaho building their dream home and his business while making great friends in the process.

 Years later as building slowed, Jim and his wife moved to Pendleton to do carpentry work for the State of Oregon.  Upon retiring Jim volunteered his carpenter skills and began traveling with his wife seeing the beautiful country and meeting wonderful people.  Friends invited Jim and his wife to Yuma, Arizona.  After a few visits Jim built their second home in the Foothills enjoying warmer winters and adding to their list of friends.  Jim and LaVera are members of The Church of God.

Jim is survived by his loving wife LaVera, son Douglas (Maureen) Rumpel, Brother Richard (Dick) Rumpel, nephew David (Merry) Rumpel, niece Sandy Kennedy, nephew Gerry (Amy) Johnson and niece JoDee (Reid) Osten.  He was proceeded in death by sister-in-law Daisy Rumpel, nephew Garry Rumpel, brother-in-law David E. Johnson.

Viewing will be held at Burns Mortuary in Pendleton, Oregon on Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 1pm – 5pm and again Friday, September 29, 2023 from 9am – 12pm.  The Graveside Service will be held Friday September 30, 2023 beginning 2pm at Olney Cemetery, Pendleton.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a memorial contribution to:  Church of God, 712 S.W. 27th St., Pendleton, Oregon 97801 or Crossroads Mission, PO Box 1161, Yuma, Arizona  85366

We want to thank all those who have been very supportive during Jim’s illness; family and dear friends and a special thank you to Jackie Blackburn.  Burns Mortuary of Pendleton was in charge of funeral arrangements.