Obituaries: James E. Pilgreen

Published 4:00 pm Wednesday, November 12, 2008

James E. Pilgreen, 90, of Astoria, died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, in Astoria.

He was born Jan. 11, 1918, in River Falls, Ala., to Willis and Mattie (Harper) Pilgreen. His formal education was completed in Calera, Ala.

In 1935, he moved to Atlanta, Ga., to learn the culinary trade from his brother at Pilgreen’s Steakhouse. In 1938, he moved to Chicago and was employed by Mari-Chapman-Scott as a chief steward.

On April 3, 1940, he married Elsie Peterson. She preceded him in death. The couple moved to Port Angeles, Wash., in 1941.

In 1941, Mr. Pilgreen joined the U.S. Merchant Marines and was the chief steward aboard the USS Discover. In 1946, he received the combat bar along with his honorable discharge.

From 1946 to 1950, he was the owner/operator of the Port Angeles Marine Drive Lunch and the Crown Zellerbach cafeteria. In 1950, he moved to Astoria to become one of the original shareholders at Astoria Plywood Co-op as a production supervisor and foreman. During the summer months, from 1952 to 1963 he was a head cook in Naknek and Nakeen, Alaska. He retired in 1984.

He was a life member of the Naval Elks Lodge No. 353 in Port Angeles and Astoria American Legion Post No. 99.

Family members said he enjoyed his family and friends, playing cards and watching athletic events.

He is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, James Pilgreen of Springfield and Jack and Ann Pilgreen of Santa Rosa, Calif.; four grandchildren, J.J. Pilgreen and his wife, Erin, of Anchorage, Alaska, Sara Pilgreen of San Francisco, Kristin Pilgreen of New York City and Jason Pilgreen of Portland; three sisters, Evelyn May of Bakersfield, Calif., Annie Carr of Maryland Heights, Mo., and Mattie Lou Ratliff of Stockton, Calif.; an honorary son, Van Kennell of Astoria; a niece, Pat Carr of Maryland Heights; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

A family gathering will be held later.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Columbia River Maritime Museum, Salvation Army, or the Oregon Humane Society, in care of Hughes-Ransom Cremation & Mortuaries, 576 12th St., Astoria, OR 97103.