James Edwin Eshelby, 74, passed away Jan. 13 at a care facility home in Boise, Idaho.

James was born June 26, 1941, in Boise to James Wesley Eshelby and Mildred Doss Eshelby. He was the older brother of Judy Eshelby Anderson and Mary Jo Eshelby.

Jim, as James would later be called, graduated from Burns Union High School in 1959. He then went on to attend Oregon State University, and shortly thereafter, enlisted in the United States Army, where he served for three years.

When Jim got home from the Army, he went to work for the U.S. Forest Service, and later moved to Portland and began his long career with Burlington Northern Railroad. In Portland, Jim met and married Margie Peterson. Jim and Margie went on to have two sons, Christopher James Eshelby, born in 1969, and Matthew George Eshelby, born in 1974.

Jim and his family moved to several states so he could continue his work with Burlington Northern. They lived in Minnesota, Kansas, and Texas.

Eventually, Jim ended up back in Oregon where he retired and remarried his grade school sweetheart, Joan Clemens.

Jim loved Harney County and was very active in the Pioneer Presbyterian Church, Kiwanis Club, and a member of the Elks. Jim was a devoted family man who never missed the annual summer reunion. He was a lover of birds, rocks, and all things to do with nature and the earth. Jim loved to golf, read and write poetry, take pictures, and create art.

Jim was deeply loved by many, and will be fondly remembered as a fun uncle, protective older brother, loving father, and devoted son.

Jim is survived by his mother, Millie Eshelby; sisters, Judy Anderson and Mary Jo Eshelby, and their families; sons, Chris Eshelby and Matt Eshelby (Melaney); and grandchildren, Kanyon and Ezra.