Jim Bee Stamps

Jim Bee Stamps
Born December 19, 1928 in Kingston Arkansas to Jesse and Grace (Carter) Stamps.

Jim passed away peacefully January 23, 2025 in Chelan, Washington. Jim made his first trip to Chelan in 1949 to work apple harvest, and he returned in 1950. On May 4th, 1951 Jim married Doris Maguire in Chelan where they lived for over 73 years. Jim began working for Macs Tire Company before embarking on over 75 years of growing award winning apples and pears in the Chelan Valley.

Jim also raised cows and bulls, however, his love was raising the American Quarter Horse. Jim spent many years showing champion Quarter Horses throughout the Northwest including Canada. He was a past member of the Lake Chelan Lions Club, Lake Chelan Eagles, Chelan Rustlers, and the American Quarter Horse Association. Jim was a supporter of the Lake Chelan Rodeo, and served on the board of directors for Blue Chelan Fruit Company. He loved the National Finals Rodeo and began attending in 1985 when the NFR made its first appearance in Las Vegas. Jim continued attending every year until 2010.
Jim loved growing apples and pears, his horses, and most of all his family who he adored. He didn’t miss an athletic event of his children nor his grandchildren. His kind heart was his greatest virtue as he never hesitated to help anyone in need.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Doris, his son Steve (Shelly) Stamps and daughter Linda (Gary) Reister, and son in law Rick (Tina) Newbrey, all of Chelan, 4 sister in laws, Mary Bailiff, Jan Maguire, Neta Stamps, and Rebecca Stamps. 7 Grandchildren, Cameron (Claire Plourde) Reister of Seattle, Evan (Sarah) Reister of Chelan, Zoee, Quinn, and Reed Stamps of Chelan, Jason (Rory) Newbrey of Kent, Sean Newbrey of Maple Valley, and 6 Great Grandchildren, Boone Bee and Isla Reister, Max and Laney Newbrey, Audrey and Brinkley Newbrey. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Kay, 3 brothers, Guy, Jesse, and Lewis (Joe), and his daughter Karen Newbrey. A small family celebration of life will take place this spring(summer) . In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Chelan Athletics or the Chelan Jr. Rodeo.

Thank you to Confluence Health Hospice, Chelan Health, Chelan EMS, Vicki Martz and a very special thank you to Rachel Martin for her care and compassion.

I’m a man who loves his job
And the life that I live.
I’m just a farmer, plain and simple.

And I’m a reaper of harvest,
I’m the sower of seeds and I’m the tender of stock.
I’m just a farmer, plain and simple.

I know of planting corn and bailing hay and animals going astray.
I live in a complex world, but my faith guides me.
I’m just a farmer, plain and simple.
Author unknown