James Joseph Link

James Joseph Link died March 20, 2013. Jim was born April 9, 1937 to Edgar and Josephine Link in Twin Falls, ID. He grew up in Medford, OR working in his father’s grocery store and driving lumber and produce trucks. After graduating from Medford High School, he attended University of Portland before joining the United States Navy.

Jim earned his dolphins after completing Submarine School in New London, CT in 1961. He rose to the rank of Quarter Master Chief while serving on the USS Thomas Jefferson, USS Theodore Roosevelt, USS Sturgeon and USS Abraham Lincoln.

Before he joined the Navy, Jim met Grace Hertel of Hillsboro, OR and, after a long courtship, they married in May, 1961. They were married 51 years and raised 9 children.

In 1977, he retired from the US Navy ending his 20 year service to our country. Jim and Grace moved their family back to Oregon. He completed the university degree he had put on hold twenty years earlier, graduating from Portland State University. He began his second career owning and operating long-haul trucks. In retirement, Jim volunteered for many years with the American Red Cross.

Jim reveled in the accomplishments of his 9 children and 23 grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Grace; his children Jim, Janet, Jeff, Julie, Ken, Greg, Kevin, Paula, Chris, their spouses and 23 grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on March 27th at St. Cecilia Church in Beaverton. Burial will be at Willamette National Cemetery.

Arrangements by Pegg, Paxson, & Springer Chapel in Beaverton, Oregon.