James "Jim" Ronald Neish

September 21, 1936 – May 14, 2025

James Ronald Neish passed away at home in Damascus, Oregon, on May 14, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 88 years old. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, Jim lived a rich and meaningful life, defined by faith, service, hard work, and a deep love for those around him.

Born on September 21, 1936, in Scottdale, Pennsylvania, Jim was the son of James Shively Neish and Jessie Hawk Neish. He attended Scottdale Penn Elementary and Scottdale High School, where he first displayed the quiet strength and dependable character that would define his life.

In 1954, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served for 8 years as a Sergeant and refueling boom operator with the Strategic Air Command. He was immensely proud of his service to his country and often shared vivid stories from his years in uniform. After leaving active duty in 1966, Jim transitioned into civilian life with the same sense of duty and excellence. He contributed to the Titan Missile Program at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California — a role that was not only professionally significant but also life-changing. It was there that he met Audra Lou Round, the love of his life, whom he married on September 22, 1967.

Together, Jim and Audra raised a loving family and built a life filled with travel, faith, and deep-rooted values. Their journey took them from California to Maryland, Texas, Arizona and back to California, before settling in Oregon in 1994. Jim worked as a general contractor in Casa Grande, Arizona, and later as a construction project manager for a developer in Newport Beach, California. In Oregon, he continued his career with Musil Perkowitz and Ruth Architects and later MG2 Architects, where he remained until his retirement in 2012.

Jim was a man of many talents and interests. He enjoyed woodworking, fixing things around the house, and was passionate about lighthouses — trekking around the country with Audra to visit them and documenting their adventures through scrapbooking. He had a sharp mind and was a master of jigsaw puzzles, crossword games, and word searches. Jim had a deep appreciation for classic American culture — especially John Wayne movies — and he cherished time with his family, never missing an opportunity to swap stories, share laughter, or enjoy a quiet evening watching the Hallmark Channel with his wife.

He was an active member of both the Pittock Mansion Society and the Harbor Lights Lighthouse Association. Jim and Audra were long-standing, faithful members of Grace Community Church in Gresham, Oregon, where Jim served as a greeter, participated in small groups, and was a mentor to many young men. His calm, steady presence and wise counsel were a source of encouragement and strength to many within the church community.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Audra Lou Neish (Round); his children: John Neish and Marta Bones, Brenda Backhaus, Matthew and Laura Neish; his grandchildren: Adam and Marlina Powell, Javohn and Meika Octavius, Jordae Neish, Estrella Neish, and Shadow Neish; and his great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Mary Shawver of California, his brother and sister-in-law David and Ann Neish of California, nephews and nieces: David Neish, Tracy and Eric Rogers, Christopher and Erica Shawver; and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father James Shively Neish, his mother Jessie Hawk Neish, and his brother-in-law John Shawver.

A private family interment with full military honors will be held at Willamette National Cemetery on May 29, 2025. A community memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at Grace Community Church in Gresham, Oregon, Friday, June 20, 2025 at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly invites donations in Jim’s memory to the following organizations that reflect his heart for service, faith, and community:

• American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org

• Bush Telegraph, PO Box 6, Peoria, AZ 85380 (for Charlotte Barkley)

• AGLOW Prison Ministry, 21166 S. Richard Court, Oregon City, OR 97045 (care of Joy Thom)

• Converge Ministry, Dept. 9930, PO Box 850001, Orlando, FL 32885 (care of Jim and Lisa Black)

James Ronald Neish will be remembered for his humility, odd and sometimes inappropriate humor, and unwavering devotion to his family, his country, and his faith. His legacy of love, character, and faithfulness will continue to live on in the lives of all who knew and loved him.