James Jim Arthur Vahey

Jim was born in South Bend, Washington on November 28, 1922 to Daphne and Sam Vahey. They later moved to Portland, Oregon. He attended Gilbert Grade School (where his first job was delivering the News Telegram and later the Journal to the Gilbert District) and graduated from Gresham High School in 1941. He attended Oregon State College and entered the Army in March of 1943. He served until his discharge in January 1946. After training, he was sent to England where he joined the 44th Infantry Division, with the 7th Army in France, Germany and Austria where he earned the Bronze Star for heroism. While on leave, before preparing for the invasion of Japan, he married June Spencer in August of 1945. While honeymooning at Spirit Lake, Washington, he learned of the surrender of Japan.

Jim was employed at Terminal Ice and Cold Storage as a bookkeeper and later controller for 32 years until his retirement in 1983. He was always active in hobbies that included the Hosta Society, Leach Botanical Gardens (where he received the Golda Kirkpatrick Award for his outstanding volunteer work in 2006), and the David Douglas Historical Society where he received a long term service award.

He could never sit still. He was an avid traveler, taking over 40 international trips. After a major heart attack, he lived another 18 years, helping out those in need, building bird houses, squirrel feeders, and wishing wells.

Jim and June celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1995. June died in 1997. Jim was blessed with love again, and in 1998, married Barbara Gilbert.

He was a faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ at Powellhurst Baptist Church where he served and attended for many years.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 13 years, Barbara; son, Jack and Jim Vahey of Portland; daughter, Jean Gray of Gresham; brother, Sam Vahey; sister Harriet Langmas; 4 grandchildren, Robin, John, David and Kelly; and 5 great grandchildren, Grace, Nick , Jack, Nina and Ronin. He is also preceded in death by his sister, Frances Holley and grandson, Jeffery.

A Service to Celebrate His Life will be held Sunday, July 10, 2011 at 3:00 pm at Powellhurst Baptist Church, 3435 SE 112th Ave., Portland, Oregon 97266. Private Committal was at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the church.

Please visit www.lincolnmemorialpk.com to sign his guest book.