James Keith Vandever

James Keith Vandever ( Jimmy Keith ) was born October 1 , 1955 in Hanford , California and died February 10 , 2026 at the age of 70 . 

Jimmy  Keith was born to Keith and Jimmie Vandever, unbeknownst to them he would be the first for 4 boys . James grew up in California and New Mexico until the family settled in Oregon . 

James served in the Army for 4 years , during his time there he met the love of his life , Sandra ( Sandy ) , the two were later married on September 11, 1975 . After he left the service they settled back in Hermiston and started their family . They were blessed with two rambunctious boys , the late Jermey Vandever and Darcy Vandever . 

James loved his family fiercely there was no denying that . He enjoyed the outdoors - hunting and fishing , gardening , walks , but most of all he loved watching his family grow . He was known to be strong and stoic , but underneath that rough exterior was a heart of gold. 

James worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for 20+ years . During his time with Union Pacific , he loved taking his kids , nieces and nephews out to see the trains . It’s a very fond memory for all of them . After retirement he spent his time chasing around the 6 grandchildren his boys blessed him with - Madison , Avery , Leelynn, Blake , Gentry and Oakley . Out of all the hats he wore over the years being “ Papa “ was the role he was most proud of . 

James is survived by his son Darcy Vandever , his 6 grandchildren , and his brothers Joe , Steve and Jerry  .

While our hearts are sad that he is gone because no amount of time is ever enough , we find peace in knowing he was met at heavens gates by his son Jermey and his beloved wife Sandra  . 

Please share memories of James with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements.

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