James Ian Park of Damascus, Oregon died unexpectedly at Legacy Mt Hood Medical Center on April 9th, 2018 in Gresham, OR at the age of 69.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 21st, 2018, 1:30pm at Mountainview Christian Church in Gresham, OR. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim’s life.
Jim was born on October 17th, 1948, in Oakland, CA to Margaret & Harry Park. He was raised in Fremont Ca., and graduated from Washington High School in 1967. He also attended Mt Hood Community College, studying Psychology. Jim faithfully served our country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Conflict and was honorably discharged. His many skills prepared him to work as a Retail Clerk, Department Manager and IT Specialist at Safeway Stores; Director at Crestview Manor Conference Center, and Co-Owner with his wife at The Master’s Meals Catering and C&J Event Group. Ultimately, his care and appreciation for people was evident even in his tenure driving school bus at David Douglas School District.
Jim married Carla Barnes, his high school sweetheart, August 18th, 1967, in Fremont, Ca., and they shared over 50 wonderful years together. Jim & Carla moved to Oregon in 1974 where they raised their three children, established a vast community of friends and built a business that they enjoyed doing together. He was quick to listen and slow to speak but when he did he was full of grace and always forward thinking.
Jim was a loving and faithful husband. Carla was indeed the love of his life and best friend. He was dedicated to being a present, supportive and loving dad and grandfather. He loved his family more than anything else.
Jim was a great mentor to young people as Scout Master in the Boy Scouts of America, 4-H leader, Sunday school teacher, and High School youth leader for 16 years at his church. He had a conviction that people would know Jesus by how he treated and served others. Jim was also very involved in the catering and event planning industry through organizations such as ACEP and Wedding Network USA.
In his spare time, Jim loved his animals and spending time on their property in Sandy and Damascus.
Jim lived a life of serving his Savior, Jesus, and the local church and globally as he led many mission trips. He was an active and dedicated member of Living Way Fellowship Church in Sandy, Or.
He was a generous individual who loved people and demonstrated that passionately by serving others well. Even in his death, his immense generosity was exhibited in blessing several others by being an organ donor.
Jim is survived by his wife, Carla Park of Damascus, Or.; his children Bryan Park of Portland, Or., Gerene & William Daugherty of Troutdale, Or., and Meredith Park of Costa Mesa, Ca.; siblings John & Sharyn Park of Burke, Va., Larry & Barbara Park of Salem, Or.; his grandchildren Dillon Cunningham of Gresham, Or., USMC Lance Corporal Cameron Park stationed in Honolulu, Hi., Brandon Park of Sandy, Or., USMC Private Aaron Park stationed in San Diego, Ca., Mikaylah Park of Sandy, Or., Stephanie (Daugherty) & Jordan Krebs of Spokane, Wa., Mackenzie Daugherty, Zachary Daugherty and Zoe Daugherty of Troutdale, Or., and his first Great Grandchild Christopher Park of Sandy, Or.
Condolences can be sent to www.facebook.com/jamesianpark or meredith.m.park@gmail.com