The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

James John Gatens passed away Feb. 10, 2013, at home surrounded by loved ones.

 More commonly known as “Gator,” he was born March 28, 1937, in Nemah, Wash., to James Francis “Frank” Gatens and Lucy Slater.

 In 1958 he married Marilyn Head. They later divorced but had three beautiful daughters.

 Gator began his logging career at the age of eight, working with his father. He continued logging in many capacities, working for several companies for another 32 years. He began commercial fishing in Alaska in the early 1960s and continued his love of fishing for 52 years, making his last tuna trip just a few months before his passing. Jim gillnetted in Bristol Bay, the Columbia River, Willapa Bay as well as salmon trolling and fishing tuna.

 Jim was a lifetime member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge. He loved traveling by motor home with his co-pilot Lawanna, visiting family and friends and spending 21 winters in Arizona.

 Jim is survived by two daughters, Shari Hughes (Kyle Parker) and Lori Kensinger (Scott), both of Cathlamet; 10 grandchildren; three great grandchildren and one on the way; two brothers, Tom Gatens and Bob Hedlund; a half-sister, Pat Davis; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Linda Benton, formerly of Kodiak, Alaska; two brothers, Bill Gatens of Waldport, Ore., and Pat Gatens of Naselle; a sister, Donna Klint of Deep River, Wash .; and the love of his life, Lawanna Olson of Sand Point, Idaho.

 A celebration of Jim’s life is planned from noon to 3 p.m. March 2 at the Moose Lodge in Ocean Park. You are welcome to attend and bring your favorite dish and Gator stories to this casual event. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 2362. Arrangements are by Dowling Funeral Home.