ojewilli.html

The Goldendale Sentinel, Goldendale, WA., July 10, 1930, page 1
Includes portrait

JAMES WILLIS LOOSES LIFE IN COLUMBIA

James Emmett Willis, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. R.J. Willis, of this city, was drowned in the Columbia River near Maryhill last Sunday afternoon about three-thirty o'clock. He and a number of young companions were on the ferry boat, crossing the river, and when about 300 yards from the Oregon side, three of the party dove into the river, intending to swim the balance of the way. He was unable to combat the high waves and heavy current, and soon was lost from sight. The body has not been located up to time of going to press.
With the party, composed of Fred Lear, Douglas Ledbetter, Junior Allison, Frank Lainhart and Sterling Camplan, James crossed the river on the ferry, headed toward the Oregon side. Last year some of the boys dove off the ferry in mid-stream and swam to the other side, and that was their intention Sunday. However, last summer when they made their swim, the water was smooth, and the river was not so high. Besides James, Junior Allison and Frank Lainhart dove from the ferry. Eye witnesses state they quickly drafted west and were soon out of sight. The boys swam in a V formation for a distance, but the high waves soon prevented them from seeing each other. For a time they spoke to one another, when James called for help. The boys tried to locate him, but battled with the waves to where they last saw him.
The shouts for assistance were heard on the Washington shore at the McDonald residence, and a launch was headed toward the two remaining boys at once. By the time the launch had crossed, Lainhart and Allison had been able to regain the shore, nearly to the old ferry landing at Biggs, and they waved the occupants of the boat toward where James had been seen last swimming. A diligent search was made up and down the river at the point, but no trace of the boy was found.
Word was received immediately in Goldendale of the drowning and several cars set out for Maryhill to assist in the search. The balance of the evening until late at night, the launch plied back and forth, with ropes and grappling apparatus in an effort to locate the body. On Monday a second boat was added to the party of searchers, from early day-break until darkness came, and grappling lines were used, but no trace of the body was head. Experienced grapplers from The Dalles and Hood River were secured, and the search continued Tuesday, which was also fruitless. Nets were stretched across their river at various points,. The work was continued all day yesterday, and is being extended to points on the Washington shore today.
Many men from Goldendale and Maryhill, as well as boy friends of James, searched both banks of the river, and assisted on the boats. Everything has been done that could be devised to locate the body. It is thought by some the body has caught on the bottom of the river at some point, and will come to the surface in a few days, to be located; there are also opinions it may have followed the current further down the river. A close watch is being kept for many miles.
The deep sympathy of the community, who are all friends of Mr. and Mrs. Willis and family, is extended in this terrible hour of their bereavement. Any assistance that can be rendered will be forthcoming at the slightest wish, for all want to aid in anyway that may soften the blow that has fallen upon this family. The mother, who is very ill, has not been informed of the passing of her son, as the shock at this time might be very detrimental to her.
James would have in eighteen years old in December. He was born and raised in Goldendale, and attended the local schools, being a graduate of the class of 1930. He took an active part in all school activities, and won his letters in athletics. He was a Torch Honor student, and most popular among his classmates.

The Dalles Weekly Chronicle, The Dalles, OR., July 10, 1930, page 2

GOLDENDALE BOY IS DROWNED IN WATER
Attempt To Swim Ashore From Ferry Results In Tragic End
(Daily of July 7)

The Columbia river today still claimed the body of James Willis, 18, son of the Mayor and Mrs. Willis of Goldendale, who was drowned near the Oregon shore at the Maryhill ferry crossing yesterday afternoon.
Grappling devices from Portland and The Dalles and the efforts of scores of volunteers to locate the body in the current were unveiling, according to information given this afternoon. The Columbia at this point has a strong current, although the crossing is some distance above the Biggs rapids. Grapplers were still working at a late hour today, it was advised from Goldendale.
James, with Elias Lainhart and Junior Allison, all of Goldendale and all 1930 graduates of the Goldendale high school, jumped off the ferry when it was about 100 yards from the Oregon shore, and started to swim to the bank.
The current carried them some distance downstream, and Allison and Willis were in difficulty. Lainhart, a strong swimmer, started to shore with Allison, but younger Willis sank. A strong wind and choppy waves made swimming difficult, it was said.
Sheriff Harold Sexton went to the scene with grappling devices, and a call was put in for the pulmotor from the local fire department, although the device is out of order and is useless.

The Klickitat County agriculturist, Goldendale, WA., July 18, 1930, page 1

FUNERAL OF JAMES E. WILLIS

The body of James E. Willis, the son of Mr. and Mrs. R.J. Willis of Goldendale, was recovered from the Columbia river at the foot of the Celilo Falls, a few miles above The Dalles, Friday night, July 18, by two local fishermen from The Dalles, W.E. Freeman and Leslie Patten.
Young Willis was drowned Sunday, July 6th, when he attempted to swim from the Maryhill ferry boat to the shore while the craft was 100 yards from the shore.
The body was sent to Goldendale for burial.
The funeral of the late James Emmett Willis was held from the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Goldendale, on Monday, July 14, 1930, at 9:00 o'clock a.m.. Interment was in the Catholic Cemetery.
The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. Father Edwards. Several hundred people were present, and many attended the burial at the Catholic Cemetery.