Guinn Roy James

Guinn Roy James, 91, of Springfield, Oregon, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, February 6, 2026, and went to be with his Lord in Heaven.

He was born January 13, 1935 in Portland, Oregon to James Edgar “Ed” James and Selma Alvina (Langlitz) James.

Guinn graduated from Marshfield High School, Coos Bay, Oregon, in the Class of 1953, and from Oregon State College School of Pharmacy in 1958.  He served six years in the Army Reserve from 1959 to 1965, including six months of active duty for training at Ft Ord, CA and Ft Sam Houston, TX.  Guinn played trombone and was active in band in both high school and college; he led the first pep band at Marshfield High, and was in the marching band at Oregon State.

Guinn married Joanna Mary Rasmussen on August 13, 1960.  Their two sons and their wives are Grant and Christy, and Gregory and Deanna; his niece and her husband are Wendy and Jared. 

He worked as a pharmacist for Payless Drug Store in Eugene, Roseburg and North Bend and, from 1972 to 1989, he was part-owner of Gerlach’s Drug Store in Springfield.  After selling the business to Tiffany’s Drug, he continued to work there as a pharmacist until 1996 then began working for Albertson’s Save-on Drugs until 2014. 

Guinn built his own wooden sail boat and was an avid sailor for many years.  He was also a member of the Cascade Chorus barbershop choir and enjoyed wood carving.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, six grand-children, as well as great and great-great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Carl, and many dear friends and relatives.

May his memory bring peace to those who knew him, and his legacy bring comfort to those he leaves behind.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."— 2 Corinthians 5:8