John Joel Tate

John Joel Tate was born on September 7, 1935, in Cayuga Indiana at the “Brick House” to Amos and Dorothy Tate. John passed away on August 31, 2025, just 7 days before his 90th birthday living a full 89 years.

John came out West to Oregon with his family. During those years, he and his family lived in Vanport Oregon. John was running from the rising water during the Vanport Flood when he was grabbed and tossed into a nearby vehicle which drove him and many others out of the rising waters harm. The family lost their home and most of their personal belongings. Soon after, they moved to East Gresham, and then the family settled on a farm in Boring, Oregon.

John went to Gresham High School. He had a love of music and enjoyed Marching Band and sat First Chair Flute in Orchestra. John was the President of his school’s Christian group he belonged to. John excelled at academics and celebrated high grades.

While visiting Sandy High, John spotted a beautiful brunette across the crowded Sandy High gymnasium. He entered the gym and looked to the right and there she was! He asked his brother Jerry to make the introduction. It took... and John J. Tate of Boring married Janice Karen Major at Powell Valley Mission Covenant Church in Gresham, Oregon. The date was September 15, 1956. Together, they raised 4 children - Michelle, Lori, Brian, and Kendra.

John put 33 years in, working for Reynolds Metals Troutdale Oregon. Twenty of those years was known as “Shift Work”. Upon his Retirement, John took computer science classes and ended his working years as a Software Support and Programmer in the computer field.

John was involved in the church at Powell Valley Mission Covenant Church. He sang in the choir, led music and worship, and provided leadership with Sunday School structure and events. In his later years John attended Christ the Vine Lutheran Church and also sang in the choir. John had a long run with sailing his boat on the Columbia River along with San Juan Island trips! John and Janice and the kids went on countless camping trips. John and Janice spent much of their retirement years camping the Northwest in their Fifth Wheel Trailer.

John Tate is survived by his 4 children, Michelle Clark, Lori (Bill) Stillwell, Brian (Holly) Tate, Kendra (Bernie) Maddox, 9 grandchildren and 9 great-children along with his two brothers, Ronald Tate and David (Ann) Tate.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Janice Tate, February 1, 2025, his parents Amos and Dorothy Tate, his brother Jerry Tate and sister Donna Mae Brinley.

A visitation for John will be held Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home, 520 W Powell Blvd, Gresham, Oregon 97030. A funeral service will take place on Thursday October 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM, 520 W Powell Blvd, Gresham, Oregon 97030. A committal service will occur Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Forest Lawn Cemetery & Mausoleum, 400 SW Walters Drive, Gresham, Oregon 97080.