James Jim Billingsley, 86, of Kennewick, WA, passed away January 7, 2011, at the Hospice House surrounded by loved ones. He was born August 15, 1924, in Portland, Oregon, the son of Walter and Maria Billingsley. He was one of three siblings, including sisters Mildred Skinnell and Donna Fisher. On November 26, 1951 Jim married Marion Jean Bagley, his loving wife of 55 years. Together they made their home in Kennewick, WA. They had four children, daughter Mary Ann Frank Curtis, son Walter Billingsley, daughter Laura Mike Johnson, and daughter Donna Jim Kammeyer. In May of 1943 Jim was inducted into the US Army. He served in WWII, and was honorably discharged in April of 1946. Upon his return, Jim began serving as a volunteer firefighter for the Kennewick Fire Department. On July 1, 1950 James Billingsley became the first official paid firefighter for the City of Kennewick- Station â?? 1. He was a charter member of the Local 1296 International Association of Firefighters Union when it was founded in 1958. Jim attained the rank of Captain before retiring from the Kennewick Fire Department in 1975. He held a number of other jobs during and following his career with the Kennewick Fire Department, including working for Doyle Brothers for many years. Jim was actively involved in several organizations, including the Kennewick Retired Firefighters Association. He was also a Kennewick High School Alumni class of 1942 and always looked forward to attending the "All Class Reunions." In addition, he was a loyal member of the Odd Fellows Lodge 222 in Kennewick for over 40 years where he was a Past Noble Grand. Jim could always be found either gardening in the backyard, cookin up some "good stuff Maynard," or out in the garage sorting through hidden treasures or creating a "better mousetrap". He was a very generous man with a heart of gold, if you ever needed an odd or an end; he was the first and last place you would go to. Jim was a collector of the "obscure and unique" with the mindset that someone, someday, would need it. Jim was a quiet observer of all he surveyed, but when he spoke you knew to listen. He was always happy to see you, enjoyed his family and friends, and was the neighbor that everyone wished lived on their block. He was loved by many and is survived by his three daughters; Mary Ann, Laura, and Donna; daughter-in-law Jan Billingsley; grandchildren Jennifer, Paul, Dustin, Cynthia, Jason, Tiffany, Jennifer, Chad, Dawn, Jesse, Kimberly, and Brandon; great-grandchildren, Brittany, Larissa, Natasia, Jimmy, Abbie, Blake, Wyatt, Tamlyn, Isabella, Javen, Blaise, and Xander; sister, Donna Fisher; sister-in-law, Margie Kennish; several nieces and nephews; and very special friend, brother, and confidant, Bud Cleavenger. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marion Billingsley, son, Walter Billingsley, and sister, Mildred Skinnell. Please join the family and friends on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 1 p.m. at Mueller's Chapel of the Falls 314 W. 1st Avenue, Kennewick to remember and honor the life of a great friend, Dad, Grandpa, and Papa, with reception to follow immediately at Mueller's. Chaplain Marty Koebler will be officiating. In recent years Jim had become an active advocate for the establishment of the Kennewick Firefighters Museum. As an original founder of the Kennewick Firefighters Museum project it was his vision that the history of the local fire departments could be shared with others. In lieu of flowers, the family of Jim Billingsley requests that donations be made in his honor to Kennewick Firefighters Museum, Inc., c/o Marty Koebler, 5225 W. Clearwater, Apt. #E-1, Kennewick, WA 99336.