JIMMIE “JIM”

CLARENCE

KLINKER

A Graveside Service will be on Thursday,  May 16th, 2019 at Willamette National Cemetery at 1:00pm.  Followed by a get-together at the Moose (16411 NE Halsey Street, Portland) from 2-5pm.

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS TO WILLAMETTE NATIONAL CEMETERY

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS TO THE MOOSE GET TOGETHER

Jim was born In Portland, Oregon. He grew up in Barton and graduated from Estacada High School.  From high school he went into the Army for four years, which took him to Germany. When he returned from the Army he entered a carpentry apprenticeship where he worked until he became a conductor for the Burlington Northern Railroad. He met his true love, Melba in 1958 and married her in 1961.  They had one son, Troy in 1962 and one daughter, Katrina in 1967.  Throughout their marriage they lived in Albany, Troutdale, Portland and finally in Gresham.  Jim was a football fan, loved fishing, camping, family gatherings, traveling and gambling. He had a love of cars, was a member of many car clubs and you could always find him at the local car show. He retired from the railroad in 1996 and took up golf.  He was blessed with three grandsons, Kyver, Kreygan and Keeden, one granddaughter, Kaliahna and one great-great son, Hudson.  He was known as Opa to them and all their friends.  He enjoyed over 20 years of true retirement; during this time he did a lot of traveling with the convertible club, fishing, golfing, and spent many evenings watching his grandkids in various sports and activities.  His all time favorite was watching his grandsons play football.  Jim was a quiet man, didn’t say too much, but when he spoke, everyone listened.  He had a kind heart and always put his family first.  He loved telling jokes and most of them were not G-rated.  If you had the opportunity to really know Jim, it was clear, he was one of kind. All who knew him loved him.

Missing you isn’t the problem….

It’s knowing you are

never coming back.

As I sit up here

And watch you everyday,

I try to let you know with signs

I never went away.

I hear you when you’re laughing,

And watch you when you sleep,

I even place my arms around you

To calm you when you weep.

I see you wish the days away

Begging to have me home,

So I try to send you signs

So you know you are not alone.

Heaven is truly beautiful
Just you wait and see.

So live your life, laugh again.

Enjoy yourself, be free,

Then know with every breath you take

You’ll be taking one for me.