James Allen Styres Jr

Jim was born in Vancouver, WA, to James Allen Sr. and Juanita (Tootsie) Styres. He spent most of his early years in Yacolt, playing and working with his siblings, Nita and George, on their grandparents' farm. Jim graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1963, often joking that "if not for football and wrestling, I wouldn't have graduated, but I managed to be ranked 137th out of 136 graduates". 

In 1969, Jim married Mary Ann Wilks, and together they had two children, James Allen III (Jim too) and Shelly Ann. They built a home on Kelly Rd, which remained Jim's home until his passing. 

After high school, Jim pursued a career in construction and joined the LIUNA Laborer Local 335, where he served as President for 16 years. He primarily worked for Port of Vancouver as a Laborer and Laborer Foreman, maintaining the facilities to support contractors bringing in various goods via ship or railway. He retired in 1999 at the age of 55 after many dedicated years at the Port of Vancouver.

During his early retirement, Jim devoted countless hours to the development of the Battle Ground, Yacolt, and Chelatchie Prairie Railroad (BYCX), helping make excursion trips a reality. His friends there often called him "Railmaster", and these friendships lasted until his passing. When Jim wasn't on the railroad or watching his grandchildren run and play basketball, he spent summers at his second home in Kenai Peninsula, fishing for salmon and halibut. His son and grandsons joined him on several trips.

Jim is survived by his son, James Allen Styres III, and daughter, Shelly Ann Whitten (jeff). He leaves behind grandchildren James Styres IV, Hunter Styres, Katie Whitten, and Bethany Barton, as well as great-grandson, Cale Bird Miller.

Jim wished for no formal service, but a Celebration of Life is planned for family and friends on July 14th at 1:00 PM at the home of Shelly and Jeff Whitten, 5717 NE 289th Street, Battle Ground, WA 98604.