James Elbert White, age 68, of Yelm, Washington, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 24, 2013. James was born in Crossett, Arkansas on October 16, 1944, a son of the late Ray and Kathleen White. James was married to Gerlinde "his Schatzi" on May 09, 1965 in Rossfeld, Germany ; they were married 48 years. James joined the Army right out of high school and he retired as Sergeant First Class after 24 years of service. He is a highly decorated combat veteran who served 2 tours of duty in Viet Nam. James' favorite pastimes included rodeos, hunting, fishing and country music. James is survived by his wife, Gerlinde White of Yelm, Washington; daughter Carmen Cory of Simi Valley, California; son Richard White of Silverdale, Washington; son Jim White of Ariel, Washington, daughter Sonya Aalmo of Puyallup, Washington; sister Shirley Knox of Crossett, Arkansas; sister Dorothy Farmer of Hamburg, Arkansas; brother Regie White of Bastrop, Louisiana and several grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other family and friends. James is preceded in death by his brother Kirby White and his brother Ricky White. "See you again upstairs Schatzi."