James F. Stilwell passed away in his home on Nov. 17, 2024, at an amazing 104 years old. He was born Jan. 30, 1920, in Mesa, Ariz., to Fred and Ica May Stilwell. The family moved to Klamath Falls in 1931 during the Great Depression. Jim and his seven siblings all attended Klamath Union High School. He attended two years at Berkeley College before serving in Navy Intelligence during WWII. Married to Winifred Southwell, they raised two children, Michael and Teri Stilwell. Jim took great pride in his family and community. His business, Stilwell and Co. Real Estate, specialized in developing many commercial and industrial projects in Klamath Falls. He was most proud of spearheading the funding to build the local Sky Lakes Hospital. In his early years, James enjoyed flying his own Cessna, training his champion retriever dogs, and logging in the woods at the family cabin. After Wini's death, Jim married Katherine of Newport Beach in 1985. They have enjoyed years of extensive travel, entertaining numerous friends, and winter retirement on Balboa Island, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, wife Winifred , and his son Michael James Stilwell. He is survived by his wife Katherine Stilwell, his daughter Teri Stilwell Schmidt, daughter-in-law Judy Wise; grandchildren Kim and Wendy Stilwell, Michael (Leslie) Schmidt, and Ryan (Sarah) Schmidt; great grandchildren Sage, Gavin and Margaret Schmidt. Along with many nieces and nephews. A private memorial will be held this summer at the family cabin at Spring Creek, Ore. "Stand by 1"
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