James Edward Wampler

James Wampler

James Edward Wampler, 85, of Stayton, Ore., formerly of Waldport, Ore., died July 20, 2012.

He was born Nov. 30, 1926. Jim spent his childhood in camps where his parents, Paul and Bess were loggers, and he graduated from Chiloquin High School in 1945.

After the U.S. Coast Guard, Jim attended Oregon State in 1947, where he met and married Carol Werth. Jim and Carol celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary last fall.

Jim and Ken, his brother-in-law, partnered in the farm at Powell Butte that lasted and grew for more than 40 years. Working closely with OSU, Wampler Werth farms developed and experimented with many varieties of Certified Seed Potatoes.

Jim’s interest and service to the potato industry extended to national and international participation. As a seed grower interested in developing international markets, Jim made many shipments of seed potatoes to more than a dozen countries in Europe, Asia and South America.

Jim was also instrumental in setting up the first meeting of the various state bargaining associations that eventually led to the formation of the Bargaining Association of North America.

Jim contributed in a significant way to agriculture and was honored as a member of the Diamond Pioneer Agricultural Career Achievement Registry. These are people who through their vision and efforts, have contributed in a significant way to agriculture. Jim served 11 years on the Oregon Potato Commission and traveled all over the world representing the commission.

He lived for 16 years in Waldport before moving to Stayton four years ago to be closer to family.

He was preceded in death by a son, Steve.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; daughters, Susan (Mike) Horvat and Debbie (Jeff) Bitton; son, John (Gina) Wampler; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Stayton. A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 26, at Powell Butte Cemetery.

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