Joseph Jay Pinkham III

Joe Jay went peacefully at home, with his family at his side. He was a lifetime member of the Yakama Nation General Council, who dedicated his life serving his people. Joe Jay was the last of the Celilo Falls fishermen. He attended Toppenish Schools and graduated from Chemawa Indian School in Salem, OR. From 1946-1947, Joe Jay represented the Chemawa Indian School and fought in the light weight Golden Gloves boxing division. He then traveled to Bacone College at Muskogee, Oklahoma for one year before entering the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict. While serving, he was a member of the Chosin Frozen Division. He returned home in 1952 and went immediately back to Celilo Falls. He then met Tallulah T. Tulee, who he married and were together 58 years. Joe Jay graduated from Vo-Tech School at Idaho and was certified in Heavy Equipment. He attended Yakima Business School and graduated from the Executive Secretarial School. He was a semi-pro baseball player, one of the original Papooses Indian basketball team. Original member of the Yakama Nation Basketball Tournament Association (YNBTA). During his bowling years he was on the Wide World of Sports 1962 and all the neighbors came to watch him bowl. He rode in Bronc and Bull Rider competitions throughout the Northwest. He was a dedicated fighter for Indian Educational Rights. He was an original member of the National Indian Education Association (NIEA), Board member of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). Member of the Yakama Nation Warrior’s Association. First Native American to serve on the Toppenish School Board. He was the First Native American Lions Club President. A representative of the Washington State Johnson O’Malley. He was the Yakama Legends Casino’s Boxing Commissioner. Preceeded in death by his daughter Margaret Pinkham, his father Joseph Pinkham and mother Ida Thompson-Pinkham. Also his sister Rose Pinkham Bassett and brothers Justin Pinkham and John Pinkham. Survivors include: Daughter: Idajo Pinkham with Tony Maltos. Idajo’s daughter Aimee Hernandez with children Gabriel Rocha with Veronica Quiroz and great grand-children Aryana, Kyra Rocha, Karissa Rocha, Nico Rocha, Angelo Rocha, Kaylonie Hernandez and Katalina Hernandez. Grandson Stephen Burgess with Nicole Cloud with their children Saul Cloud Burgess, Kenita Burgess (mother Felina Metsker), Kaiden at Colville (mother Melinda Waters-Burgess). Son: Joe Jay Pinkham III with Margorie, their children and grandchildren Thomas (grandson) and Markeyta (granddaughter). Son: Glen Pinkham with Yvette and the children; and grandchildren: Cameron, Shenoa, and Dallas Pinkham. Daughter: Dora Lee Fitzpatrick with Rod Fitzpatrick and their children and grandchildren. Grand-daughter Hilary Fitzpatrick with Bobby Burdeau, great grandchildren Travis and Trevor. Grand-daughter Ladee Fitzpatrick, grandson Michael Joe Jay Fitzpatrick with Davina Jim. Great grand-daughter Laylah and Martha Fitzpatrick. Son: Sandy A Pinkham Daughter: Trudy Pinkham and her children, Katriona and Aspen Hayes (father Darwin Hayes). Claudia Pinkham-Williams (youngest sister of Joe Jay, but raised as a daughter) and her daughter Nicole Williams and grandchildren, including grandson Robert. Brothers and sisters are: Irving A Pinkham (Arizona), Gerry Pinkham Miller and family (of Wapato), Julian Pinkham and family (of Wapato), Lloyd Blackstone Pinkham with Joyce and their daughters Cheyenne, Hollyanne, Loren Selam, and Kato; Lorretta Alexander of Pendleton, OR; brothers, Alfred, Allen, Alvin and Mike Pinkham of Lapwai, ID Nephew: Nate Pinkham and Senovia Pinkham (son and daughter of the Late John Pinkham; Niece: Karen B Pinkham, daughter of the late Justin Pinkham. Paula Pinkham, Carla Pinkham George with husband Brian and their children. Special nieces and nephews: Saluskin family; Rodena Cowapoo family; Jennie Lou Honanie with daughters Josephine Honanie and Stephanie Honanie-Wendt; Mary Ann Bassett with son Asa & Andrew Washines and daughter Winonah Washines; Elena Bassett. The family would like to thank those who helped their father with his cancer treatment which he battled since 1985, Yakima Memorial Hospice, IHS Dr. Rex Quaempts, Northstar Lodge and the Yakama Nation General Council Executive Secretarial Staff. Dressing services will be on Wednesday August 22, 2012 at the Toppenish Community Center with overnight services to follow. Sunrise services will be on Thursday August 23, 2012 with burial at Satus Point Cemetery south of Toppenish. Friends can send condolences at www.toppenishfunerals.com. Colonial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Joseph Jay Pinkham III

September 17, 1927 - August 21, 2012

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Joseph Jay Pinkham III

September 17, 1927 - August 21, 2012

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