James Ernest Hobaugh, 69, and longtime Aberdeen resident passed away on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022, at Auburn Medical Center in Auburn, Washington.

James was born on March 30, 1953, to parents William and Ruby (Wilkes) Hobaugh in Portland, Oregon. He was born and raised in the Portland area, graduating from Centennial High School in 1971.

A few years after graduation, he moved to Aberdeen, Washington and started work with International Paper. He stayed with the company for many years until they closed down. James then began employment with Grays Harbor Paper and continued to work for the next few years. He met Monica Murray, and they married in 1980. The couple had two children: a son, James David and daughter, Tara. James and Monica later divorced. James left Grays Harbor Paper, and joined the Laborer’s Union, working for various companies throughout his career. He then began working for Hanford Construction, and moved to the Eastern Washington area. He retired in 2014 and moved back to Aberdeen.

James enjoyed fishing and watching football. While living in Eastern, Washington, he loved going out riding snowmobiles. His most precious joys were his grandchildren. He was very close with his family and always made sure to spend time with his grandkids.

James is preceded in death by his parents, William and Ruby Hobaugh and his brother, Willy Hobaugh.

James is survived by his children: James D. Hobaugh of Aberdeen, Washington and Tara Hobaugh, and her longtime significant other, Michael Foley of Aberdeen, Washington; brother, Danny Hobaugh and wife Katie, of Montesano, Washington; sister, Candie Owen and her significant other, John Prudhomme of Aberdeen, Washington; and five grandchildren: James Eugene, Maylee, Taylor, Lanaya and Nola.

At this time no services are scheduled. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.