Jim,
a well-known automotive machinist and mechanic, died peacefully
Thursday, March 11, 2010 at his home in Portland, Oregon surrounded
by his family. He was 83.A native Oregonian, Jim was born February
17, 1927 to Gerhard and Mary Classen, and raised in Beaverton,
Oregon. Jim married Betty Schell, April 24, 1949 and together
they had five children: Dennis, Randy, Jim, Cindy and Sherri.
After
retiring from West Bearing, Jim continued his love for fine machines
and spent his retired years pursuing his passion for restoring
antique cars. His 1936 Packard won many awards including 1990
Sweepstakes, and 1991 feature car at the Concours d’Elegance
in Forest Grove. Jim’s expertise at restoring antique engines
was in great demand among car enthusiasts. Jim proudly transported
three of his children and one of his grandchildren to their weddings
in his Packard
.
Some of Jim’s other
passions included flyfishing. His favorite vacation spot was Camp
Sherman on the Metolius River, where he spent many summers with
his family.
Jim is survived by his wife
Betty; children Dennis (Myra); Randy (Linda); Jim; Cindy (Michael)
Durham; Sherri; grandchildren: Katie (Zachary) Carver; Kira; Kevin;
Derek; Isabel.
A memorial service to remember
and honor Jim will be held at 11 am Thursday March 25, 2010 at
St. John Fisher Church, 7007 SW 46th Avenue, Portland, OR 97219.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online remembrances
may be sent at www.ANewTradition.com. Arrangements by Crown Memorial
Center – Tualatin.
of Oregon
