James “Whitey” Lance

James “Whitey” Lance was born August 1, 1924 in Billings, Montana. He passed away on February 3, 2016 at the age of 91 in his home in Quartzsite, Arizona surrounded by loved ones.

Whitey was raised in Pryor, Montana by his parents, Ray and Margaret (Jones) Lance, along with his four siblings Charles, Leslie, Roberta and Edith. He attended Pryor School until the eighth grade and then worked the fields as a cowboy tending herds of cattle and sheep, rounding up strays and branding until entering the military.

Whitey was a veteran of World War II serving his country as a United States Marine between June of 1944 and June of 1946. He served in the Marshall Islands and Iwo Jima as a rifleman and in military police until he was honorably discharged.

After the war, he joined his family then living in Seattle, Washington, where he went to work at Fisher Flour Mills.There he met Clara Florence “Peggy” (Willard) Stoddard, whom he later married February 12, 1949 and remained married until her death June 15, 1982.

The couple resided in North Bend, Washington. As a youth, he attended a baptist church in Pryor, Montana where he stated he “got baptized every summer” just so he could be dipped in Pryor Creek, his favorite place in the world. In 1960 he became a confirmed member of Mt. Si Lutheran Church in North Bend, Washington. As a young adult, Whitey enjoyed working for the US Forest Service and later built a career working for the City of Mercer Island where he retired as superintendent of the Mercer Island Water district.

“Whitey and Peggy” Lance raised six children together: Judith R. Stoddard, Mary K. (Stoddard) Rimstad, Curtis J. Lance, Mark A. Lance, Leslie C. Lance, Tamra L. (Lance) Weaver.

After the death of his wife Peggy, Whitey renewed an acquaintance with Arlene M. Sim of Snoqualmie, Washington. The acquaintance grew into a loving relationship that they shared together and with their combined families for over 30 years.

Whitey is preceded in death by his wife, parents, and all four siblings. He was also preceded by his son, Curt Lance, a great-grandson, J.D. Beaudry, and a great-great grandson, Dustin Devoe. He is survived by his children Judith, Mary, Mark, Leslie, and Tamra. He was blessed with 23 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren. Whitey had a quick sense of humor, was a witty story-teller, with a contagious laugh. He could be ornery and tender all at the same time. He was a generous giver and had heart for the underdog. He is deeply loved and missed. His family and friends look forward to seeing him when they all meet again in paradise, “Some Glad Morning…”

A memorial service will be held to celebrate the life of James Edward “Whitey” Lance at the Mt. Si Lutheran Church in North Bend on Saturday, April 9th at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome.