James Wesley Strutt

James Wesley Strutt was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on December 5, 1928 to Wesley and Marie (McClymont) Strutt and passed away with family at his side in Milwaukie, Oregon on August 21, 2019 at the age of 90.

Jim lived in Minnesota until age 7, when his family moved to Oregon. They returned to Minnesota shortly thereafter so that his father could work in essential industry. When he was 9, they re-settled in Portland, and Jim lived there for the rest of his life.

He was a graduate of Washington High School, and then attended Oregon State University for two years. Having served a year of ROTC training, he enlisted in the US Navy and served honorably aboard the

USS Essex (where he was in charge of ship’s stores) until his discharge in 1955. Returning to Oregon, Mr. Strutt went to work for Reid Strutt as a sales representative. He also worked at Kaman, as the supervisor of the electrical panel department, retiring in 1992.

Jim married Shirley Kilpatrick in Portland in 1991.

Mr. Strutt was very active in his church, first at Hinson Church in Portland (where he worshipped for over seventy years), and then at Grace Pointe Church in Milwaukie. He sang bass in men’s quartets, performing in many local retirement homes. At Willamette View, where he and Shirley lived for the last 13 years of his life, he was known as the “Rose Garden Man”, the couple having taken responsibility for the new rose gardens there, including moving over 400 rose bushes to a new garden after a new build. He also served on the Willamette View Council, and was active in many committees.

He and Shirley loved to travel, in particular to Hawaii, where they had visited every year since their marriage, sometimes for months at a time. The Big Island and Kona were their favorite destinations. Having driven Model-A Fords when he was a young man, Jim purchased a restored model A and drove it to meets and other events, having a great time meeting other Ford enthusiasts.

But he found his greatest joy in family, and was happiest when his family was together, whether at home or in their travels.

Jim will be missed by his wife of 28 years, Shirley Strutt of Milwaukie; his daughter Sheri Rozsonits, son-in-law John Rozsonits, and by nephews Wes Tyler, Bruce Tyler, and Doug Tyler, and niece Pam Holst.

A memorial service is pending. Mr. Strutt will be interred with honors at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.

As an alternative to flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Blue Heron Foundation to purchase a memorial bench for Jim. The bench will be placed in the new rose garden that was very dear to Jim’s heart.

Donations may be made directly at www.BlueHeronFoundationWillametteView.org

Instructions for donations:

• Click on donate button

• Select the Art of Living Well Fund

• Be sure to mention Jim Strutt in the tribute section so that donations are correctly applied

Donations may be made online or by check.

The family sincerely thanks you!