W James "Bubba" Egbert

W James "Bubba" Egbert, 49, passed away Friday May 5, 2023 while doing what he loved, riding his horse and moving cattle on his Washington ranch.

Born Sunday, January 6th, 1974, in Brewster, Washington to Sherwood James "Jim" & Betty Egbert, growing up on the family ranch outside of Grand Coulee, Bubba, as a youngster, enjoyed playing in the dirt while pretending to tend to his farm and ranch. He also participated in Junior Rodeo in rough stock and roping events. Bubba was all things cowboy, spending many summers riding and breaking horses and caring for livestock on the family ranch. It was evident from an early age that Bubba knew that he was going to be a rancher.

Bubba spent his primary years of education in the Coulee area and graduated from high school in Battle Ground, Washington in 1992 as class Valedictorian. While in High School he played basketball and football. His passion was football, where he received offensive player of the year and other team honors.

After graduating from high school, Bubba went on to attend Boise State University, where after his hard work and determination, walked-on and earned a spot on the Broncos football team, playing from 1993-1996. In 1994 his Bronco team played in the National Championship game. In 1997 Bubba decided to go back to his first love of horses and rodeo and began competing in calf roping on the Bronco Rodeo Club team. He graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Magna Cum Laude honors.

In 1997, Bubba met Dana in La Grande, Oregon and his life changed forever. They were married on September 9, 2000, at the county fairgrounds in La Grande. After returning to Grand Coulee, Bubba and Dana began helping to build Egbert Cattle Company with his father, Jim. Together they welcomed Brit in 2004 and Wyatt in 2007. His sons were the driving force of everything Bubba worked hard for.

Bubba had a heart for kids and wanted to see them succeed. This love for kids made coaching come natural for him. He was involved in Little League Baseball, AAU Basketball, Junior Rodeo, 4-H, High School Girls Basketball, High School Baseball, and was the Head High School Football Coach. Bubba strove to inspire and encourage his players to achieve their highest personal potential. Through all these activities, many lives were touched, but none more so than his sons, with the time spent together and the lasting memories they made.

Bubba's love and respect for the land led him to be an active member of the Douglas County Fire Department District 3, where for a time he was the Assistant Chief. He spent many summers protecting land and homes fighting wildland fires in the Coulee Area.

His work ethic was matched only by his sense of humor and personality. He never knew a stranger. Even with a busy schedule there was always time for conversation, and he could tell a story with the best of them. His distinct laugh was infectious, making it nearly impossible to not smile and feel joy just being around him.

Bubba is predeceased by his mother, Betty Egbert and his grandmothers: Doris McKay-Egbert and Dorothy Cowlishaw.

Bubba's legacy lives on through his beloved wife of 22 years, Dana Egbert; sons: Brit and Wyatt Egbert; father: Sherwood James "Jim" Egbert; step-father: Richard Jeffrey; siblings: Chris Fink (Chris), Maggie Honkala (Adam), Molly Rom (Darren), Cade Egbert (Lauren), Ty Egbert, Keanna Egbert (Kodie); father and mother-in-law, Richard and Sue Irvin; brother-in-law, Duane Irvin; sister-in-law, Amy George (Mike); nephews and niece: Casey and Joe Meling, Caden and Caleb George, and Clyde, Walter, and Josephine Rom.

A celebration of Bubba's life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 26th, 2023, at the Ridge Riders Rodeo Grounds, 22152 Alcan Rd NE, Grand Coulee, WA.

In lieu of flowers, an account has been opened to assist with Bubba's two sons' college education. Those who wish to donate in Bubba's memory may go to any North Cascades Bank and indicate their deposit go to the Brit and Wyatt Egbert education account.

Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington is caring for Bubba's family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.stratefuneral.com.