Margaret "Peggy" Lucille James

Margaret “Peggy” Lucille James passed away in the early morning of August 11, 2025, surrounded by friends and family.

Peggy was born on September 15, 1946, to Harold D. and Helen M. Pike in Portland, Ore. She spent her childhood growing up on Blue Lake and attending Catholic schools in the Portland area. This is where she developed her love for musical theater, choir, and organizing events. Peggy graduated Mary Crest All Girls High School in 1964 and following that summer, she explored her religious devotion by attending a convent in California.

After a short two months, Peggy realized that her true love was Charlie James and returned to Portland becoming Mrs. James on February 19, 1965. Peggy spent the next eight years becoming a mother to her four children Brian (deceased), Richard, Cara, and Katherine. She did all sorts of odd jobs to assist in family needs and always immersed herself, and her family, into community and church events and activities. You would often find Peggy “running the show” which is where she excelled, enjoying watching everything come together.

Chuck and Peggy moved several times between Washington and Oregon following Chuck’s career until finally settling in Dayton, Wash., in 1986. Peggy was always very supportive of her husband, making sure wherever they were she made a house a loving home.

No matter where Peggy lived, she was always known in the Catholic Church, local theater, and community events.

She was also well known in the Dayton community as “the lunch lady,” employed by Dayton High School for over a decade. She enjoyed staying in touch with all the children she watched grow up as they passed through her lunch line. Peggy went out of her way often to make sure everyone was welcomed and knew they were important.

Her special talent was often to get you to volunteer for something you didn’t even know you wanted to do.

Peggy thoroughly enjoyed finding a bargain and could never seem to leave one behind. Taking her newly found deals and putting them back into the community because she knew someone who needed it. Preparing baskets for events, surprising someone with an unexpected gift, sharing a new read everyone must have a copy of; Peggy just enjoyed watching others receive. She would greet you with a big smile, entertain you with friendly conversation, and would never let you leave without a warm hug.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, her only sister Mary, her oldest son Brian, and two grandchildren Kendell and Gracie.

She is survived by her husband Charles (Chuck), three children, Richard, Cara, and Katherine; several foster children; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.

The family has planned the rosary and viewing at the St. Joseph Catholic Church at 112 1st St., Dayton, on August 21 at 5:30 p.m. The final mass is on August 22 at 10 a.m. with burial at the Dayton Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at St. Joseph’s Fellowship Hall.

The family is in the care of longtime friend Mark Powell of Spencer Libby & Powell Funeral Home, The Dalles, Ore.