Major Jimmy R. Laws, USMCR

Major Jimmy R. Laws, 89, originally of Zillah, WA went to be with Our Lord on June 17, 2014. He was born in Toppenish, WA on October 13, 1924 to Granville, Jack and Elizabeth Laws. He married Neoma Jerry Pugh on February 12, 1946 in Oshkosh, WI and they had 6 children. At the age of 17, Jimmy enlisted in the Marine Corps to serve his country during WWII and served in the Pacific Region. After completing his honorable service, Jimmy attended Central Washington University and received his Bachelor of Arts in Education on July 19, 1951. Jimmy re-entered the Marine Corps as a 1st Lt. in 1953. He served over 26 years in the Marine Corps and retired on August 1, 1970 as a Major. He earned several Decorations and Medals to include a National Defense Cross with one device, the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 devices; the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal and a Combat Action Ribbon. After retiring from the Marine Corps Jimmy and Neoma made their home in Zillah, WA. Jimmy worked as a Washington State Veteran's Employment Representative in Toppenish, WA for many years than later worked as a substitute teacher for various Yakima Valley School Districts. Jimmy will be remembered for his love of literature and poetry. He could spend hours talking about his favorite book or poem and was an avid reader. Jimmy is preceded in his death by his dear wife, Neoma, two daughters Sharon and Shannon, his son Scott, his brother Joe, and sisters Jackie and June. He is survived by his sons Jim of Prosser, WA and Randy of Sebastian, FL, his daughter Laurie of Granger, WA along with 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at…… with a luncheon to follow. Jimmy's ashes will be laid to rest by his wife Neoma at Lakeview Cemetary in Green Bay, WI on August 2, 2014. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to have donations made to the Tri-Cities Hospice or Toys for Tots.