James Hermens

James Lawrence Hermens passed away suddenly on Saturday, April 12th 2014 from a blood clot caused by complications from a ruptured appendix. Our best boy will always be remembered as the happy, helpful and thoughtful young man he had grown up to be. James was born on June 26, 1990 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Oregon.  He graduated from Lincoln High School in 2008 after following the path from Chapman Elementary and West Sylvan Middle School. James graduated from Portland Public Schools’ Community Transition Center in 2010. He spent 2-3 days a week at Full Life Inc. participating in the activities there with his numerous friends. He had a part-time job at Fred Meyer as a parcel clerk that he was very, very proud of. Growing up, James played three sports a year for twelve years, with his father, Greg, coaching and always by his side. When he scored a goal in soccer it felt as if you were at the “World Cup” by the spectator’s reactions. His pleasure just beamed and the fans just overflowed with joy.  Go James! He had an absolute unparalleled love for his sister, Juliet, which was returned in buckets with love, respect and acceptance.  That bond will never be broken. His mother, Barbara, had always been his strongest advocate.  Their relationship was one of mutual admiration. From birth to his final moment, she was always beside him. He played dodgeball, bocce and liked HGTV’s home improvement shows. He never tired of spending time with family. He leaves behind his parents, Gregory and Barbara Hermens; his sister, Juliet Hermens; his grandmother Ellen Carey; his grandparents, Lawrence and Elaine Hermens; his uncles, Jedric Weiss, Tom Weiss (Inga), Joel Weiss (Jennifer) and Jeff Hermens (Lori); aunts, Laura Glassford and Susan Hermens; and his very dear childhood friend, Daniel Waters. He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather James Weiss, his step-grandfather Robert Johnson, and uncle, Randy Hermens.  He also leaves behind numerous cousins and friends as well as a large extended list of relatives. He was a fifth generation Oregonian. With all our gratitude and love we will never forget the grace you brought to our lives. A memorial service will be held at on Saturday April 26, 2014 at 2pm at Chapman Elementary School, 1445 NW 26th Ave., Portland, OR 97210. Contributions can be made to Camp Meadowood Springs: www.meadowoodsprings.org