James H. Scragg, 54, a Seattle firefighter for 30 years, who survived the 1995 Pang warehouse fire that killed four of his comrades, died Jan. 17, 2008, surrounded by friends and family after a three-and-a-half-year battle with lung cancer. Though a battalion chief, everyone knew him as Jim, “Jimmy” or Scragg.

Jim graduated from Clover Park High and attended Oregon State University before joining the Seattle Fire Department. As Jim rose through the ranks within the department, he worked vigorously to implement measures to assure the “safety first” motto and was a founding member of the fire department’s technical rescue team and Puget Sound Urban Search and Rescue Task Force (USAR/FEMA).

Jimmy’s unique sense of humor and zest for life could never be duplicated and will be sorely missed. His passion for excellence and going for the extreme was exemplified in everything he did: windsurfing, mountain climbing, skiing, biking, golfing, salmon fishing, photography, music, and most importantly, caring for his precious family and beloved poodle dogs. He had a presence that could not be ignored, or forgotten, and he has had a huge impact on those left behind.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Stacey; stepson, Mac; mother, Mary; brother, Keith; and niece, Desiree. Family and friends will be forever grateful to the staff and doctors at Swedish Hospital who took care of Jimmy during his last days.

A celebration of Jim Scragg’s life will be held on Friday, Feb. 8, 2 p.m. at the South Lake Union Armory, 860 Terry Avenue North in Seattle. All are welcome to attend. Remembrances may be made to the Northwest Burn Foundation or the Medic One Foundation. Online go to bonneywatson.com.

Opal V. Sohler passed away on Feb. 1, 2008, at her home in Yuma, Ariz., surrounded by family. She was 91 years old.

She was born July 25, 1916, in Forest Grove, Ore., to Ernest and Eva (Meyers) Tucker. She graduated from Banks, Ore., High School.

In 1936 she married George L. Sohler in Hood River, Ore. They worked on the Ed Dresser farm until 1942 when they purchased a 20-acre farm on the East Side. They farmed the 20 acres until George’s death in June of 1973.

Thereafter, Opal leased the farm and continued to live on the farm until her retirement. She spent some time in Canada and Arizona. During the last approximately 15 years, she spent her summers in Granite, Ore., and winters in Yuma, Ariz.

Opal enjoyed being around family and friends. At age 5, she learned how to crochet by her grandmother. She loved to crochet, knit, cross-stitch and do many other crafts. She cross-stitched more than 40 bedspreads and crocheted many various tablecloths, doilies, curtain valances along with many other various handcrafted items for family and friends.

Opal was preceded in death by her husband, George L. Sohler; a daughter, Theresa J. Sohler; and two great-grandchildren, Emily Sohler and George Sohler.

She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law Nolan and Catherine, Larry and Luci, Ed and Robin and Dick and Sandi; daughters and sons-in-law Marylou and Bill and Kathy and Mel; 27 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren and 28 great-great-grandchildren.

Any memorial contributions can be sent to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1501 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031, in memory of Opal V. Sohler.