James Henry Boston

He was raised in Ontario and, in 1955, relocated to Corvallis, Oregon to study at Oregon State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Science and Education and a Master of Education degree from the University of Oregon. In Corvallis he met and married his wife Phyllis Fox in 1958. He liked to joke that he “won her over” by filling up her dance card at a church dance function. He taught chemistry, physics and math to high school students for 4 years at South Umpqua High School. He and Phyllis moved their family to The Dalles in 1963 where he spent 25 years teaching at Wahtonka High School along with 2 years as principal at Chenowith Middle School. He was the last of the original Wahtonka teaching staff to retire. He was first runner-up for Oregon Teacher of the Year in 1971. He spent several years as a member of the District 12 School Board and was appointed to the Oregon Teachers Standards and Practices Commission from 1975 to 1978, serving as chairman in 1977. His heart was always fullest during the time he was in the classroom where he was closest to the students.

He was a champion of public schools, and the opportunities education provides, a lover of the outdoors, gardening, woodworking, and most of all cherished his family. He had a sense of humor sometimes only known by him and loved telling a good joke or story to anyone who would listen. He loved to make people around him smile and once said “when you lose the ability to laugh at yourself, you are in trouble. We do funny, dumb things, but hopefully we learn from those.”

He was a lifelong member of the United Methodist church where he was committed to living his life in service to his church and community. He held several administrative positions in the church and volunteered any time he could to help others, especially if it meant he could use his tools or woodworking skills. He was a member of the Lions Club in The Dalles and a volunteer driver for many years, transporting corneal tissue for transplant procedures to specialized surgical centers in Portland.

He was quick to say that he graduated from both Oregon State and University of Oregon, he loved watching and cheering for both schools. He would proudly wear his orange and green shirt his wife made for him when the schools were competing against each other. He however cheered loudest for OSU and was a loyal Beaver Believer at heart.

Jim and Phyllis enjoyed their retirement years traveling. They wore out several cars following their grandkids to sporting events. He was so proud of how far he could go on a gallon of gas. One of his favorite places to camp was Lost Lake on Mt Hood, where he brought his kids when they were young to swim, fish, hike and make memories. It made him very happy when that was extended to include grandkids and great grandkids. They traveled to Australia to visit Jana and Brian, joined Tammi and Bruce on a trip to several Mediterranean countries and camped many places with Julie and Sue never showing up without his fishing pole or toolbox. After 46 years in The Dalles Jim and Phyllis settled down in Salem Oregon to be closer to their family.

Jim is survived by his bride of 68 years Phyllis Boston and children Jana (Brian) Stockner, Julie (Sue) Root Boston and Bruce (Tammi) Boston. Seven grandchildren, Andrew (Chelsea) Stockner, Alex (Kirsten) Stockner, Kasi (Leo) Martinez, Ryan Boston, Matt Boston, Sam Root Boston and Aaron Root Boston and six great grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister Sue Barnes and sister-in-law Patsy Fox and other extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Henry and Jennie Boston, brother Robert Boston, mother-in-law Lavone Fox, and brother-in-law Harland Fox.

A celebration of life will be held at the Morningside Methodist Church in Salem Oregon on April 25th at 11:00am.

Dad would like it if you would celebrate him by enjoying the science in life that surrounds you. You can also honor him with a contribution in his name to the memorial fund of either the Morningside United Methodist Church in Salem Oregon or The Dalles United Methodist Church.