James "Jim" Willis Trull

James (“Jim”) Willis Trull, 69, passed away peacefully at his home on January 16, 2016.  He leaves his friends and family with many years of love and precious memories.

Jim was born May 4, 1946, to James and Lola (House) Trull in Yakima, Washington.  He graduated from Granger High School in 1964.  Upon graduation, he married Judy Elenbaas.  Together, they had four children.  He continued his education at Washington State University, earning his Bachelors of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1968.

After earning his degree, he started his career working at the Quincy-Columbia Basin Irrigation District as a District Engineer for six years, and then as District Manager of Consolidated Irrigation District in the Spokane Valley for six years before assuming his current position as Manager of the Sunnyside Valley Irrigation District in 1982. 

Jim was active in many local, state, and national organizations.  At the time of his passing, he was the Chairman of the Irrigated Ag Workgroup for the Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater Management Area and the Chairman of the Water Supply Task Force on the Federal Affairs Committee of the National Water Resources Association.  He has also served on the Board of Directors for both the Washington State and National Water Resources Association.  His many awards include the WSWRA Leadership Award, the John Keys Partnership Award from the Bureau of Reclamation, Life Membership Status from the NWRA, the John Sayre Leadership Award from the NWRA, and the President’s Award from the NWRA.  Most recently, he was awarded the Legacy Award from the Washington State Resources Association, with his entire family present for the special event.

Jim was a longtime member of the Sunnyside Rotary Club, earning the prestigious Paul Harris Award.  He was also on the Board of Directors for Sunnyside Community Hospital for 22 years.

On November 18, 2000, Jim married Gwyn Thomas.  Together they shared so many happy memories.  Traveling, going to the theater, watching their Seahawks play, and spending time with their family brought them both such joy.

Jim loved the outdoors and photography.  His passion for mountains, glaciers, wildlife and the sea prompted many new and exciting excursions.

Jim had many great successes in his life and earned so many accolades.  His greatest accomplishment, by far, was his family.  His love for his wife, children, grandchildren, sister, and extended family knew no bounds.  He was our constant cheerleader and supporter.  His love and gracious heart shines through his family.  

Jim is survived by his wife, Gwyn Trull of Grandview.  He also leaves four children, Jim (Ame) Trull of Williston, North Dakota, Jay (Tara) Trull of Eltopia, Washington, Julie (Ryan) Schilperoort of Sunnyside, Washington, and Jeremy (Lori) Trull of Shoreline, Washington; nine grandchildren, Jayle, Jena, J.W., Wyatt, Lindsay, Clay, Isaac, Addison, and Kassidy; his sister, Mary Rose (Mike) Counts of Goldendale, Washington; his sister-in-law Sara (Ron) MacIntyre of Gresham, Oregon; nephews Matt (Sam) Counts and Kyle MacIntyre; and Niece Christine MacIntyre.  He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lola Trull.

A memorial service for Jim will be held Thursday, January 21, 2016, at 1:30 P.M. at the Grandview Church of the Nazarne in Grandview, WA.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sunnyside Rotary Club, P.O. Box 375, Sunnyside, Washington, 98944.  Those wishing to sign Jim's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com.  Smith Funeral Home LTD and Crematory in care of arrangements. 

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