Obituary of James Speaks

James “Wesley” Speaks, Jr. December 29, 1944 – September 29, 2025 After 80 full and meaningful years, James “Wesley” Speaks, Jr. of Shelton, WA, passed away on September 29, 2025. "Wes," as he was lovingly known by those close to him, was born on December 29, 1944, in Tulare, California, to Lucille and James Speaks. Wes was a devoted father who poured his heart and soul into supporting his children, both in life and on the field. He coached Gina’s softball teams for almost a decade and proudly followed Mike’s athletic journey beginning on the t-ball fields at MCRA all the way through his college football career. Nothing brought Wes more joy than being there for his family. Wes considered Mike and Gina’s closest friends as extended family— he loved and thought of them as if they were his own. Wes had a deep love for the outdoors and spent much of his life in nature—traveling, camping, crabbing, and hunting—but his true passion was fishing. Although Wes enjoyed fishing many bodies of water in Washington, Neah Bay was home to him. If you spoke with Wes for long, the conversation would inevitably turn to fishing—a topic he never grew tired of. Wes graduated from Eureka High School in 1963, before going on to earn an Associate of Arts degree in Industrial Arts from Laney Community College in Oakland, California. He proudly served six years in the U.S. Army Reserves, reaching the rank of Sergeant E-5. Wes completed a machinist apprenticeship in California and went on to work as a lead machinist for over 40 years. He began his career working for Louisiana Pacific in California and, in 1978, moved his family to Shelton, WA, seeking better opportunities and a closer connection to loved ones. He worked at Simpson Timber Company until 2007. After taking a few years off to travel and fish, Wes returned to the workforce to train apprentice machinists while working at A&B Machine Shop in Aberdeen and Olympic Panel Products in Shelton before retiring for good in 2016. Wes was a man of quiet integrity and deep compassion. Whether it was lending a helping hand, greeting you with his infectious smile, or offering words of encouragement, he had a way of making everyone feel valued and important. He shared 26 years of marriage with Sandra Goodwin and later found joy and companionship with his beloved wife, Twila “Trudy” Speaks, who preceded him in death in June 2025. He was also preceded by his parents and his brother, Troy Speaks. Wes is lovingly remembered by his children, Michael (Sherry) Speaks of Shelton, WA, and Gina (Brad) Eshler of Waynesville, OH; his grandsons Tyler, Zach, Nathan, and Ryan; and his great-granddaughter, Bryar Speaks. He also leaves behind his siblings—Shirley Vandehey, Jerry Kennedy, Julian (Pam) Kennedy, Diane (Steve) Peters, and Gail Arrington—as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who were like family to him. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Alpine Way Retirement Community for their compassionate care and friendship during Wes’s final days. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Shelton Christian Church, located at 115 W. Arcadia Ave., Shelton, beginning at 12:00 p.m. All are welcome to join in honoring a life well lived. Burial with Military Funeral Honors will follow immediately at Shelton Memorial Park. After the services, the family warmly invites friends and loved ones to gather and share memories at The Ridge, located at 1060 W. Eells Hill Road in Shelton. In honor of Wes, donations may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1694 in Shelton, Washington. Wes’s friendly smile and generous heart touched everyone he met. His presence was a steady comfort, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.