James Polk

James “Jim” Polk was born on April 1, 1929 in St. Augustine, TX to the late Etta Mae Roberts Polk and the late Henry Polk. He was the only child born to this union. James peacefully passed away on January 18, 2012 at the age of 82 in Portland, Oregon. He was preceded in death by one brother, William Richard Polk; and two sisters, Emma Polk Santifer, and Georgia Polk.

James proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1948 to 1952. He moved to the Pacific Northwest (Portland, Oregon) in 1948 where his mother had relocated with her second husband Ernest L. Clark.

James met and married the late Hazel Aquillia Ray Polk in February 1955 and to that union six children were born: Joscelyn Denise, Glynnis Maureen, Jeffrey Lynnel, DeVora Lynn; Jeanetta Lyn, and Angela Elizabeth. James and Hazel divorced in 1975.

James held various jobs including positions as a custodian with the Portland Public School District, a bailiff with the District of Oregon, and a United States Deputy Marshal. He retired from the United States Marshal Service in 1982. In December 1982 he married the late Alva M. Brown Fair.

James was a happy and kind man who found joy in his family and friends. He liked being social and interacting with others. He will be missed for his spontaneous singing, his tender heart, and his love and loyalty to his family. He leaves a legacy of joy, humor, and kindness to all who knew him.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Joscelyn Polk, Glynnis Polk Childress, DeVora Polk Jones, Jeanetta Polk all of Portland, Oregon; Jeffrey Polk of San Lorenzo, California, and Angela Polk of St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands. Grandchildren: Chynari, Makala, Jordan, Devyn, Deahna, and Damon; a special cousin, Geraldine “Tink” Jones; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Caldwell's, Hennessey, Goetsch & McGee Funeral Home, Portland, OR.