Cover photo for James Truman Birkel's Obituary
James Truman Birkel Profile Photo
1938 James 2015

James Truman Birkel

February 17, 1938 — December 3, 2015

JAMES TRUMAN BIRKEL
February 17, 1938 - December 3, 2015
Jim passed away peacefully at his home in North Plains, Oregon surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Portland, Oregon to parents Peter & Theresia Janisch Birkel. Jim grew up in the upper Dixie Mountain Area of North Plains, Oregon. He was the youngest of five brothers.
Jim thoroughly enjoyed nature. He hunted, camped and fished.
He often told stories of being a young lad, walking through the beautifully thick wooded area to school. Always on the lookout for cougars and other wildlife. Jim attended the 50 year reunion celebration of the one room, Shady Brook schoolhouse.
He met the love of his life Virginia at The Portland Oaks Park Skate rink and married at the age of 23. He and his wife had two children, a boy and a girl. Dr. Hutchinson of Hillsboro, OR told him that he was "A Lucky Man" and had a "million dollar family".
As a hardworking man, Jim's skills included meat cutting, plant maintenance, home construction and diesel mechanics. Jim retired as a custodian for the Hillsboro School District.
His character shined through his smiling eyes and jolly spirit. He proved to be light hearted at times. He would often surprise his family and even strangers by joking around. He used crazy imaginative props like wearing anything from Groucho Mark glasses, hats and wigs. All, just to get a "Good Laugh". His booming laughter was contagious, infectious and therapeutic.
On the serious side, he was bold, strong, and steadfast. An honest family man. He built two family homes. This was accomplished through hard work, sweat, and determination, along with the patience and assistance of his wife Virginia. A shout out to all who helped along the way.

With his "Can Do" attitude, Jim was one to tinker daily in the shop and was always making or doing something.
A special "Thank You" to all Who Have "Been a Part" of Jim Birkel's Life Journey.
May his life be a testament to what he can build on his next journey. May we all meet as a family again in the House of The Lord.
Survived by his Wife, Virginia Birkel, Son, Dan Birkel, Daughter, Julie Eliasson. Grandsons Keagan and Cordel Birkel. Grandson Blake Eliasson and Granddaughter Brooke Eliasson.
Survived by his older brother Roger Birkel and Donna of Longview, WA
Deceased brothers: Peter Birkel, Richard Birkel and Gilbert Birkel.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Truman Birkel, please visit our flower store.

Guestbook

Visits: 0

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree