Jan. 2, 1921 - Jan. 6, 2009

James "Ron" FitzJohn, 88, of Lebanon, died Jan. 6, 2009, at Samaritan Albany General Hospital.

A funeral service was held Jan. 9 at Huston-Jost Funeral Home. He was buried in Gilliland Cemetery in Sweet Home.

He was born Jan. 2, 1921, in Cassville, Mo., to James and Gladdis (Higganbothom) FitzJohn.

Mr. FitzJohn attended schools near Neosho, Mo. After graduating from high school he entered the Army.

During World War II, he served in the Pacific Theater in the Philippines and New Guinea for 15 months, driving a supply truck. He returned to Missouri after being honorably discharged in 1944.

Mr. FitzJohn married Evalena Vanzant on June 23, 1946, in Joplin, Mo. They moved to Lebanon in 1954.

He worked at Champion Plywood for more than 16 years before retiring as a millwright. He also raised cattle.

Mr. FitzJohn belonged to the American Legion and V.F.W.

He is survived by daughters Carolyn McKay and Madelyn Atkins, both of Albany; son J.D. FitzJohn of Lebanon; brothers Gordon FitzJohn of Wichita, Kan., and Charles FitzJohn of Racine, Mo.; sister Miriam Pound of Racine, Mo.; five grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and seven step-great-grandchildren.

His wife Evalena FitzJohn died Jan. 21, 1988. His sisters Shirley Ayres and Phyllis Beth McClary also died before he did.

Contributions may be made to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice sent in care of Huston-Jost Funeral Home, 86 W. Grant St., Lebanon OR 97355.