James A. French, 84, of Beaverton, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on July 27, 2023. He was born in Beaverton, in his family home, on March 20, 1939, the son of Herbert and Linnie (née Smith) French. Jim and his wife of 64 years, Sharon (née Kalahar), instilled in their four children the values that they cherished: integrity and work ethic, lifelong learning and perseverance, kindness and love of family.
The land homesteaded in 1879 by his grandfather, Nelson French, a logger, would one day become Jim’s parents’ family farm where he had many responsibilities. Jim was the proud steward of this family land; in fact, sustaining the farm was his life’s purpose. The homestead that he and Sharon built, and worked together every day to maintain and improve, is a sight to behold – from the rich pastures, to the lush woods, to the opulent gardens. He was proud to put his “Popeye muscles” to use baling hay, felling trees, and moving boulders well into his later years.
Jim began his long career in plastics as a production manager for Kal Plastics. He served in the same role for Alma Plastics Co. and Robinson Industries. In 1978, he started his own successful plastics dunnage business, JA Salvage Co., employing local people for many years. Even in retirement his work didn’t stop. Jim loved buying, selling and tinkering with plastics equipment, always with an eye for improvement and a creative mind toward innovation.
Jim and Sharon traveled near and far with friends and relatives, and he shared vivid memories of those trips in hilariously detailed retellings. His perfectly timed one-liners tickled the funny bones of everyone he encountered, whether an old friend or a new acquaintance. His sense of humor was eclipsed only by his warmth and congeniality; he was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Jim was an avid horse enthusiast. He loved owning and caring for horses, working with them, and talking about them. He especially enjoyed watching them run. The high point of his decades-long horse ownership was the big win of his favorite Quarter Horse “Sonny” on July 19, 2008 at Mount Pleasant Meadows. Sonny crossed the finish line the winner of Race 5, a 350-yard sprint, in 18:64 flat, a mere two seconds shy of the AQHA world record. Jim frequently traveled to Louisville with friends and family to experience the thrill of the Kentucky Derby on-site. He also hosted lively Derby parties at home where he provided expert commentary that rivaled the TV announcers.
Most of all, Jim loved being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He always had time for a talk or a walk around the place. He regularly attended games and school events of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The love, devotion and support he showed his family knew no bounds.
Jim’s memory will live on in the hearts of his many friends and family, including his wife Sharon; children: Tamera (Gary) Graham, Steven (Julie) French, Marybeth French and Joe Zeitz, and James II (Leann) French; grandchildren: Joshua (Maria) Loose, Kaleb Loose, Megan (Ryan) Max, Mychal (Maria) Graham, Jessica (Brent) Mishler, Jordan (Lance) Ritchie, Ethan French and Maria French. He will be greatly missed by his 17 great-grandchildren whom he adored: Olivia, James, Mason, Lillie, Patrick, Evelyn, Josephine, Teagan, Juliana, Cameron, Reese, Jace, Hollis, Landrie, Donovan, Alexandra and Alana. He was beloved by nephews and nieces with whom he shared close relationships.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents: Herbert and Linnie French; siblings: Vivian Shaffer, Lillian Wyman, Maxine Koch, Marian Rooker, LaVerne Hitsman, Leonard French and Clark French.
The French family is grateful for the attentive care and loving kindness shown to Jim and family members by the professionals of ProMedica Hospice.
Visitation for Jim will be held on Thursday, August 3 from 3:00 to 8:00 P.M. and again Friday, August 4 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 A.M. Both events will be held at Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home in Beaverton.
Memorial contributions may be made in support of hospice services in your area or to Beaverton Activity Center “Catalyst Boardroom” plastics industry archive. Jim will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Dale Cemetery in Beaverton.
Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home. www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome.com
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