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Jim was born March 26, 1934, in Montesano, Washington, to Bill and June Gorter. At an early age, he moved to Harvard, Illinois, where Jim helped his dad on the farm. He served two years in the Army. In 1958, he met the love of his life, Elaine Knutson. They were married on Dec. 5, 1959.
Jim started out being a dairy farmer but decided he liked the fieldwork better. He quit dairy farming and worked for Libby’s Cannery and Crop Farm. Later, Jim and a friend started up a sod farm. After sod farming for many years, he retired and moved to Chehalis, Washington, with his wife, Elaine.
He was a kind loving husband, and his joy was his family and friends. Jim was a hard worker and loved to be working in his large garden and woodworking in his shop. He was a mentor and will be missed by many.
He is survived by his loving wife, Elaine; sons, Dean (Debbie) Gorter, of Marengo, Illinois, and Steve Gorter, of Harvard, Illinois; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; his sister, Edna Fund; his brother-in-law, Red Cunningham; sisters-in-law, Shirley Brehmer, Betty Knutson and Linda (Alan) Marr; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and June Gorter; sister, Joan Luerssen; brother, Sam, who died as an infant; brothers-in-law, Roger (Anna) Knutson, Wally Knutson, Gene Knutson, Jim Hilderman and Ed Brehmer; and sister-in-law Idella Cunningham.
Memorial services will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, at the Virgil Lee Community Building in Chehalis, Washington.
