James Allen Melsha was born to William and Truly Melsha on June 16th, 1944, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. James passed away on March 7th, 2023, in Salem, Oregon with both of his loving daughters by his side at the age of 78. He graduated from Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1962. James married Roberta LaBelle Wells on July 31st, 1965, at Calvary Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. James and Roberta were married for 55 years before Roberta’s passing on September 18th, 2020.
James and Roberta moved to Keizer, Oregon where James would work for the sporting goods store Stouts for a short time. In the early 1980’s he went to work for the state of Oregon with the Oregon State Police at the State Capitol Building and as a range master. He retired from the OSP in 2003 and continued to work for several more years as a retiree.
James enjoyed travelling to many places with Roberta and his family. He had many things he was passionate about, wildlife and scenic photography, collecting and reading books, cooking and woodworking.
James is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Berry(Robert) of Salem, Tonia Brechtel(Michael) of Salem, 7 grandchildren Anthony, Andrew, Elizabeth, Matthew, Timothy, William, and Michaela, 5 great grandchildren Brandon, Sophia, David, Caden and Nathan, and his brother Don Melsha(Carolyn), as well as many nieces and nephews.
James is preceded in death by his wife Roberta LaBelle Wells Melsha, Father William Edward Melsha and Mother Truly Delores Kloubec Melsha Waskow.
A Memorial Service will be held at Keizer Funeral Chapel on Thursday March 16th, 2023, an Oregon State Police honor guard will start at 2:00PM with the Memorial Service to follow at 3:00PM