Jim Leigh Cordell

Jim Leigh Cordell Wenatchee, WA Jim Leigh Cordell, 81, a lifelong resident of the Wenatchee Valley, passed away at home on August 11, 2013, surrounded by loved ones. Jim was born April 6, 1932, to Roscoe and Merlie Cordell in Wenatchee. Jim graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1950 and went on to Wenatchee Valley College. Jim was drafted into the Army in 1952 and was stationed in Okinawa during the Korean War for two years before returning home to work on the family orchard. Jim married Sylvia Mangold on January 14, 1956. They raised five children in the Sunnyslope area of the Wenatchee Valley: Frank, Alan, Teresa, Jon, and Camille. Jim was a Sunnyslope orchardist who took pride in the fruit that he grew! Along with growing fruit and raising his family on the "ranch," Jim was a volunteer fireman at Chelan County Fire District #1 for 33 years, where he reached the rank of Captain, and received Fireman of the Year awards. After selling the last of "the ranch" to WADOT, Jim went on to drive a semi-truck for many years for Dovex and McDougall & Sons. Jim enjoyed visiting the farmers in the Basin on his trips, often coming back with photos and stories of his travels. Jim loved to talk and tell stories and was often the life of the party. Jim could be found often in the summer cheering on his Apple Sox from the stands after a long day of hauling fruit. Jim played and coached on numerous baseball and softball teams, winning several championship trophies. Jim was also an avid sportsman. Being born and raised in the valley, he knew every mountain, canyon, and trail and one of his favorite things was going to "the hills" to hunt, fish, snowmobile, or to just pick huckleberries with Sylvia and the dogs. These favorite outdoor activities were shared among his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim was a member of the American Legion, Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Wenatchee Valley Sportsmens Association. Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sylvia Cordell of Wenatchee; children, Frank (Cindy) Cordell of East Wenatchee, Alan Cordell of Yakima, Teresa (Mike) Miller of Stanwood, and Camille McCurdy of Montello, WI; grandchildren, Kelly Cordell-Stine, Jason Cordell, Corey Miller, Ryan McCurdy, and Ross McCurdy; and great-grandchildren, Rachel Cordell and Emery Miller. Jim is also survived by his brothers, Ed Cordell and family and Bill Cordell and family. He was preceded in death by his son, Jon Cordell; sister, Mary Remfert; and nephew, Matt Remfert. Jim's family wishes to thank both the CWH Oncology Department and Central Washington Hospice for making Jim's final days more comfortable, and a special thank you to Nurse Kim for her hard work and keeping Jim in good spirits. Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Apostles Catholic Church in East Wenatchee on Thursday, August 15, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park in East Wenatchee following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Central Washington Hospice or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements are assisted by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Jim Leigh Cordell

April 6, 1932 - August 11, 2013