George "Jim" Fisher

George James Fisher, better known as Jim, passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, June 11th in Salem, Oregon after losing his long battle with cancer. He lived an interesting and adventurous life. He was born, grew up, and lived most of his life in Portland, Oregon. At one point his family moved to Vanport. He had vivid memories of surviving the loss of his family’s home in the Vanport flood when he was just 8-years-old.

As a young boy he helped his father in the construction trade where he learned every aspect of the business, but he excelled as a finish carpenter. His attention to fine detail was a matter of pride with him and many homeowners were impressed the results. Later on in life he and his father ran their own construction business together. Jim also worked in auto salvage at Rose Auto Wrecking for a time. He loved to rebuild cars and motorcycles as one of his many hobbies.

He was married four times. He was retired when he met his fourth wife, Tammy, and moved to Salem where she lived and worked. He recently completed a rockery in his backyard complete with two ponds and a cascading waterfall.

Jim loved riding motorcycles, hunting, fishing, and camping. He and Tammy, along with their poodle Coco, loved taking long drives around Oregon. There were many back roads they traveled just to see where they went. Jim, a huge fan of Elvis Presley, often had the King playing in the background.

Jim has belonged to several clubs over the years including a motorcycle club and CB radio club. He used his meticulous organizing talents to set up poker runs and other events to benefit various charities including Dornbecker’s Children Hospital and Meals on Wheels. He also belonged to several support groups over the years, including most recently a group for head and neck cancer patients. He had a giving heart and helped many people over the years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George H. Fisher and Delma Barber Fisher; aunt, Gladys “Delores” Martin, and grandson, Derek Smith. He is survived by Tammy, his wife of 13 years; daughter Shelda McKenzie and her husband Ray of Vancouver, Washington; daughter Marianne Strauss of Kalamazoo, Michigan; son Jim Fisher of Vancouver, Washington; daughter Marianne Fisher of the Portland, Oregon; eleven grandchildren – Angel, Jessica, Jimmy George, “Little” Jessie, Mary, Max, Nicholas, Nicole, Tanya, Tom, and Zachary; and in his words, “too many great-grandchildren to count.” His extended family includes his sisters Shirley Cochell and Donna Staudenmier; and nephew Ervin Warn.

Services will be a celebration of a life well lived where those attending will have a chance to share their fondest memories of Jim. It will be held on Sunday, June 19, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Lincoln Memorial Park in Portland, Oregon. A commitment ceremony and internment for the family will follow at 3:00 pm. There will be a reception for family and friends at 5:00 pm at a separate location. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, June 18, 2011.

Arrangements under the direction of Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Portland, OR.