James Eugene Harding

Jim was born the first of five boys in North Dakota, to the union of Madeline and Maynard Harding. In the 1950’s, the Hardings moved to Portland, Oregon. Jim graduated in 1961 from Clackamas High School where he excelled in baseball. Following high school, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army where he ultimately became a member of the 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Jim received an honorable discharge.

Following the Army, Jim decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a career in construction. Jim worked for numerous construction companies in the Portland area. He became an expert at drywall. Jim’s construction accomplishments include overseeing the building of schools in small rural villages in Northern Alaska. He also taught for the Portland Public School District in their Job Training Skills program, and owned his own construction company.

In 1972, while on a motorcycle trip with a dear friend, Jim met Joyce in Medford, Oregon. After a brief long distance relationship, Joyce transferred within her employment to Milwaukie, Oregon. In 1974, Jim and Joyce were married and they purchased a house built in 1918. Jim put his talents to use and remodeled the home.

Jim was a motorcycle enthusiast, enjoying numerous motorcycle trips with Joyce. They also enjoyed many family camping trips in their motorhome. However, in 1985, Jim was involved in a serious motorcycle accident which left him a paraplegic. He kept a positive attitude during this trying time and later counseled and mentored spinal cord injury patients.

Following his accident, Jim became involved with Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), ultimately becoming the Sports Director for the Oregon chapter of PVA. He enjoyed playing sports with other PVA members. Jim excelled at trap shooting while a member of a PVA National Trap Shooting team.

A few years later, Jim followed his upbringing within the Church, and became a Chaplain which lead to the position of Chaplain at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Woodburn, Oregon. He spent countless hours volunteering at the Church. Jim was a volunteer Chaplain at Meridian Park Hospital at the time of his passing.

Jim was loved by many. His wit and the warmth of his heart have touched numerous people. He will forever be remembered as a great friend, husband, father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; children Ed (Teresa), Jeff, Pennie and Jodi (Greg); grandchildren Chelsie, Zach, Nicole, Seth, Courtney, Casey, Tyler and Maddie; four great grandchildren; brothers Bob, Mike and Pat; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Jim was proceded in death by his parents; brother, Tom; and great grandson, Coburn.

Viewing

February 21, 2017, 2:00-6:00 p.m.

Lincoln Memorial Park

11801 SE Mount Scott Blvd. Gate 9

Portland, OR

Service & Reception

February 22, 2017, 2:00 p.m.

St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church

2036 SE Jefferson St.

Milwaukie, OR

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oregon Chapter of PVA, at www.OregonPVA.org.