James "Jim" Donald Borders

Jim was born on November 10, 1933 in Portland, Oregon to John Donald and Dorothy Borders. He grew up in the Portland/Salem area until he left to enlist in the Navy in his senior year at Salem High School. He met the love of his life, Ruthanne Gruver, at the Pentagon and were married in September 1959 for 57 years. While serving his country, he was deployed to Vietnam three times and was assigned to several commands in our country. He retired from the military as a Chief Warrant Officer II and moved back to Salem, Oregon with his family in 1972. His career varied after that as a plant manager at Rawlinsons for many years and then later he and Ruthanne managed and maintained several apartment complexes. He later was a courtesy driver for Roberson Motors.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ruthanne, his son Jay Borders, his brother Stanley Borders, and his stepfather Oscar Noren. He is survived by his daughters Cheryl Cutten (Frank) and Thersa Moore, his daughter-in-law Katherine Borders, his grandsons Zack Moore (Lindsay) and Jeremy Moore (Rie), his great-grandchildren Natalee, Teo and Lucca Moore, his sisters Susan Kouklis and Judy Laun, and many nieces and nephews.

Jim's greatest love was his family and friends; however being a part of the Freemasons, Eastern Star and Messiah Lutheran Church were his passion and faith. He also loved to travel through the United States when he could and share those adventures with his family members when possible.