Former area resident James E. “Jim” Beyer died peacefully and surrounded by family Sept. 26, 2014, in Bend, Ore., after a brief illness. He was 87.

He was born in Tacoma to Peter and Mary Bayer. The family moved from Aberdeen, Wash., to Enumclaw, where Beyer Heating Oil was established. He drove a delivery truck for a time, earned a degree in political science from the University of Puget Sound and later sold the oil company. He then worked in real estate. He married Susan Rutherford in 1986 and, following her retirement in 1999, the couple moved from Enumclaw to the Bend, Ore., area. They enjoyed skiing, bicycling, hiking and square dancing. He climbed Mount Rainier four times and had a love for science and history.

He is survived by wife Susan; step-children Paul Rutherford, Cynthia (Gordon) Lemberg, and Todd (Dianne) Rutherford; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A reception to receive family and friends is planned for Oct. 25 at the couple’s Bend home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: Pine Forest Grange No. 632, 63214 Boyd Acres Rd., Bend, Ore. 97701.

Arrangements are by Baird Funeral Home.