James Albert Riemer

It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of grief that we share the passing of our father, James Albert Riemer. Born August 21st 1927 to Florence Knopf and Stanley Riemer in Milwaukie Wisconsin. He passed peacefully at home in Peoria, Arizona with his daughter at his side on October 19th 2015. He was the exemplary of strength throughout his life, never complained, and radiated positive energy, always with a smile until the end.

James Riemer graduated from Hurley Wisconsin High School at an early age to join the Navy during WWII. He then attended Eastern Oregon College of Education in La Grande Oregon. He proceeded to graduate in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oregon. James met the love of his life, Bonnie Smith McDonald, in Grants Pass, Oregon and were wed in July 1954. James worked for Caybax Lumber Company and moved to Walla Walla, Washington before moving to Boise, Idaho where he worked for Boise Cascade. James started with Monroe Litton Industries, in January 1961. His desire to excel, and be the best, led him to top achievement success with promotions, relocating his family to California, from San Francisco to San Diego, finally settling in Portland Oregon, where he retired at the early age of 53. This enabled him to pursue his passion, Financial Investments, and the Stock Market. In 1999 he lost the love of his life, Bonnie, and soon moved to Arizona to be close to his daughter and son in law. Prior to death James was proud to say “I’m very happy with my life. I lived a meaningful life with purpose. I had a successful life with many accomplishments with no regrets”. James is now the CFO in Heaven!

He is survived by his two children, Daughter, Leslie Shum (Husband Marvin) Son, Jay Riemer, Step Daughter, Donna Lynn Melton, Step Son, Sidney McDonald and Brother, Maurice Riemer, (Wife Mary)

Please join us in “A Celebration of Life” on Saturday May 14th 2016 at 1:00pm at Gateway Little Chapel of the Chimes - 1515 NE 106th Ave., Portland, Oregon 97220.

To Those I Love

When I am Gone,

Release me, let me go.

You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears.

Just be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess,

How much you gave to me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

But now it's time I traveled alone.

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It's only for a while that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on,

So if you need me call, and I will come.

Though you can't see, or touch, I'll be near.

And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear

All of my love around you, soft and clear.

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I'll greet you with a smile, and say

"Welcome home."