Mr. James Jim Berch Kendrick

James, “Jim” was born on June 23, 1922 in Houston, Texas and was the son of James and Sally (Moore) Kendrick. In 1940, he graduated from high school in Houston, Texas and in 1942 he enlisted in the United States Army serving his country during WWII. He received an honorable discharge in 1945 at the rank of Private First Class and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Silver Star for his exemplary service.

On July 8, 1944, he married Augusta “Gussie” Lofstedt in Colorado Springs, CO and they moved to Corbett, Oregon in 1945. Jim worked as a Maintenance Mechanic for the City of Portland for 28 years, retiring in 1988. They moved to Gresham in 1977.

From 1948-1974, Jim was a member of Corbett Christian Church where he served on the Board of Elders. In 1974 they transferred to the Mountainview Christian Church in Gresham where he served on the Board of Elders and became Elder Emeritus in 1995. He also led a bible study for the church for over 30 years. Jim was also a member of the VFW first serving with the Rooster Rock Post in Corbett and later with the Gresham Post #180. He was the Post Commander and also served as Quartermaster. He was a true inspiration to his fellow comrades.

Jim had many hobbies. He enjoyed Western Music and collected John Wayne memorabilia and movies. He also collected Belt Buckles and served as a long time volunteer at the Vista House. He was kind, gentle and loved by everyone. Family was very important to him and he truly cherished the time spent with his wife, children, grand children and great grandchildren. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his wife, Augusta “Gussie” of Gresham, daughters, Pat Crampton (husband, Steve) of Boring and Roxie Swanson of Gresham and sisters, Ann Kendrick of Ft. Worth, Texas, Lou Treat of Longview, Texas and Elaine Horton of Houston, Texas along with 5 grandchildren, Julie Noteboom (husband, Mike), Christy Crampton, Melissa Henderson (husband, Wade), Phillip Swanson (wife, Jessica) and Carolyn Sitzman (husband, Jeramy) and 7 great grandchildren, Zakk Sitzman, Jacob Noteboom, Tayla Dailey, Will Dailey, Matthew Noteboom, Cayden Sitzman and Kendrick Swanson and many nieces and nephews. His sisters, Georgia and Mae both preceded him in death.

A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at 1:00 pm at Mountainview Christian Church in Gresham. Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home. A committal service with military honors will be held at Willamette National Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Jim may be made to the VFW Post #180 or the Vista House. Bateman Carroll Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.