James Tillman White's Obituary
A celebration of the life of long-time St. Helens resident, James T. White, will be held from 2-5:00 p.m., Saturday, August 10 at McCormick Park Pavilion #2, 475 S. 18th St., St. Helens.
James was born December 2, 1938 in Estacada, Oregon, the son of Edwin N. & Mary E. (Carter) White. He died July 18, 2024 in Longview at the age of 85.
His family moved to St. Helens when he was a youth and he attended school in St. Helens, graduating in 1957. He served as a reservist in the Air Force. He worked for the Boise Cascade paper mill for over 45 years, retiring as the senior employee at the mill in 2004.
On August 2, 1963 he married his best friend and love of his life, Dolly J. Coddington.
Jim was a very talented and active person. He enjoyed working on cars, painting a few for friends. He could draw and paint and make sculptures. He was on the swim team during high school. He competed with a group of walkers from Boise Cascade in the Portland to Coast Relays for several years. He was always walking as training and because he liked it, walking to and from work which was several miles and even adding distance for his training. He started donating blood to the Red Cross as soon as he was able and wound up donating 31 gallons. He and Dolly were active in their son’s sport, coaching or building the old starting blocks for the swim meets. He and Dolly also had a shared love of music, attending several shows and concerts.
He is survived by his three sons, Scott & Tracey, Kelly, Jay; grandchildren, Erica (Brendan), Scotty (Kassy), Ashley, Olivia (Justin), and Roger. He is also survived by his great grandchildren Jaidynn, Dolly Alison, Evelyn, Ivy, Lennox & Hazel, his brother, Bob, sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Judy & Ruben as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Dolly, brothers, Doug and Walt and sister Betty.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?

