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Obituary of James W. Bourland
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JAMES W. BOURLAND
James Jim Bourland, of Washougal, passed away October 24, 2008 in Vancouver at the age of 85.
He was born September 1, 1923 in Colville, WA to Herman and Maude Bourland. In 1924 they moved to the Oak Park neighborhood in Camas. Jim graduated from Camas High School in 1942 and went to work at the paper mill until entering the US Army Air Corps. He would enter flight training in 1944 and became a pilot flying the B-29 Super Fortress Heavy Bomber. He was released from active duty from the 403rd Squadron at Pang Army Air Base at PDX.
Jim started his law enforcement career with the Washington State Patrol in 1946. In 1948 he moved to the Clark County Sheriffâ??s Office and later the Washougal Police Department where he became Chief of Police. While working in Washougal, Jim met Pearl E. Plato working the crosswalks by Hathaway School and they married in 1949. They had their first son, James Paul Bourland in 1950. In 1952 Jim was hired by the Camas Police Department as a patrolman and in 1960 their second son, David W. Bourland was born. Jim quickly rose through the ranks and became Police Chief in 1963. He would retire from the Camas Police in 1974.
Jim loved to fish, hunt, and golf and was a skilled craftsman. He had built rock walls all around the Camas area. His true love after his family, from his first day in the air in WWII until he hung his wings on the dresser in 1999, was flying. Jim owned several aircraft and his favorite was his 1954 Cessna 180 which he had until 1973. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and was always there to help and support his family and his friends. Known throughout the community and respected by all for his public service, he will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his sons, James Paul Bourland of Vancouver, David W. Bourland of Camas; grandchildren, Jeff, Stacy, Erika, Cassandra and Austin Bourland; great grandchildren, Mikel and Sacoia.
Jimâ??s life will be celebrated on Saturday, November 1 at 10am at the Washougal United Methodist Church. Vault interment with military honors will follow at the Camas Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10am to 7pm at Straubâ??s Funeral Home in Camas. Please sign the online guest book at www.straubsfuneralhome.com.
Straub's Funeral Home
325 NE 3rd Avenue
Camas, Washington 98607
Phone: (360) 834-4563
Email: info@straubsfuneralhome.com