J.R Bloch passed away at home November 28, 2021. He is survived by Marion, his wife of 65 years; four daughters, Lisa (Ridge) Taylor, Suzanne (Rob) Shick, Andrea Kurtin, Maria (Brian) Price; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
J.R. was born in Mishawaka, Indiana to Ed and Norma Bloch on May 29, 1928. He had two siblings, older brother Robert August (1927-2017) and younger sister Beverly Ann (1929-1986).
School, piano lessons, paper route, Boy Scouts, visits to his grandparents’ bakery, trips to visit family at Lake James and in Portland, kept J.R. busy during his childhood. And there were dance lessons. In 1934, 1935, and 1936 Bob, Bev, and J.R. took lessons at Maxene Mollenhour’s School of Dance, and performed in the school’s annual evening revue at a local high school auditorium. One year, The Bloch Trio competed in Search for Talent Competition at the Granada theater and won first prize, $25.
In high school, J.R. attended Morgan Park Military Academy in Chicago, Illinois, with his brother Bob. J.R. was active during his four years there; participating in baseball, softball, boxing, bowling, golf, basketball, and rifle team. He was voted class officer his junior and senior years, and captain of C Company his senior year.
After high school, J.R. worked for two years while brother Bob served in WWII. In 1948, J.R., Bob, and Bev entered Purdue University together. They graduated in 1952. Upon graduation, J.R. was drafted into the army, and served in Korea 1952-1954. He applied for early deferment and entered law school at Valparaiso University, Indiana in the fall of 1954.
J.R. met Marion at Valpo. They married in June, 1956. J.R. graduated law school in May, 1957. Three months later, J.R. and Marion packed up their ‘52 Chevy and a U-Haul trailer and drove to Portland, Oregon. Living in Portland had been a dream of J.R.’s since visiting family there as a child.
J.R. worked for the Port Authority of Portland for four years, and then in the insurance business. He worked as Risk Manager for Portland Public Schools for 12 years before he retired in 1994.
An avid sports fan, J.R. participated and watched. He played tennis and golf; watched professional baseball, golf and basketball, and college football and `basketball. Go Cubbies! Go Purdue! As starter for Multnomah Athletic Club swim meets, he cheered for daughters Andrea and Maria. J.R. attended many of his grandchildren’s soccer, football, baseball, and basketball games. J.R. also loved to fish for salmon on Tillamook Bay, the Buoy 10 fishery, and the Willamette River. A 51 pound salmon was his personal record. He was charter member of the Salmon Hawg Invitational Tournament, held early October on Tillamook Bay. J.R. introduced sons in law Brian and Ridge to the annual competition.
In retirement, J.R. and Marion golfed and traveled; were members of a dinner/dance club, the Multnomah Athletic Club, and St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Many summer days were spent hosting family at their backyard pool: ping pong, croquet, board games, and barbecues.
J.R spread smiles and laughter everywhere he went: at his work places, at church, his athletic club, and even in the neighborhood grocery stores where he shopped daily. He will be remembered by many wonderful things, but especially as husband, dad, grandpa, and friend. His joy and smile and love live on in all of us who remember him and miss him.
A memorial celebrating J.R.’s life will be held January 8, 2022 at 10 o’clock, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 10390 SW Canyon Road, Beaverton, Oregon.
Memorials may be made in J.R.’s name to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Foundation.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18