James R. LaFayette's Obituary
James “Jim” Ray LaFayette died on the afternoon of August 31, 2013 in Scappoose, Oregon at the age of 59. He was born to Ray and Wanda LaFayette on December 6, 1953 in Burlington, Washington. He grew up in Skagit Valley, Washington, graduating from Concrete High School in 1972. He went on to receive a four-year degree from Hyles-Anderson College in Hammond, Indiana.
Jim married Molly Eileen Wengren, his high school sweetheart, on June 1, 1973 during spring break from college. The marriage ceremony was performed by Pastor Spurling, the man instrumental in Jim’s salvation. They made their home in Vancouver, Washington where he was the pastor at Victory Baptist Church for 22 years.
God blessed Jim and Molly eight children, Rebekah (Kris) McKenzie, Sarah (Brad) Congdon, Rachel (Rob) Karman, James (Shyanne), Jonathan (Paula), Joshua (Stacy), Elisabeth, and Joanna.
Jim worked as a welder, electrician, mechanic and machinist for various companies. He volunteered as a firefighter and coached high school football. He had a passion for the souls of the lost and frequently participated in street preaching and evangelism in Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington.
He is survived by two brothers, five sisters, his wife Molly, their eight children, and nineteen grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a family fund at Fibre Federal Bank in Longview, Washington payable to Molly LaFayette or Jim’s favorite ministries.
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