James John Wiersma

James Wiersma of Canby, Oregon passed away July 3, 2024 at Hope Village In Canby, Oregon.

James was born August 25, 1938 in Bellflower, California to Pete and Bertha Wiersma. He attended Artesia High School and graduated in 1957. He then went on to graduate from National Technical Schools after a yearlong course in auto mechanics and diesel engines. One of his first jobs in the early 60’s was with the Sante Fe Railroad as switchman. He was a model railroad enthusiast all his life and built a train layout in the basement of his home.

While still in high school, he met Greta Brandsma. They later married in 1961 after she finished her nurses training. They were married for 62 years. That same year Jim was drafted into the US Army and served at Fort Hood, Texas for 2 years with the Second Armored Division.

In 1964, he started a 5-year apprenticeship program in HAVC mechanics and finished as a journeyman. The last 10 years of his career he worked for OHSU.

Jim and Greta moved their family to Canby, Oregon in 1980 and started a Christmas Tree Farm which he operated for 30 years. He thoroughly enjoyed taking his tractor and working in the trees.

After retirement, Jim and Greta took many trips in the US and abroad including Western and Eastern Europe, Russia and Egypt.

 He loved to watch high school and college football games and attended as many as his health would allow.

He leaves behind his wife Greta and three boys Timothy, Daniel and Matthew. He was blessed with 7 grandchildren: Madeleine, Joshua, Valerie, Kassy, Vincent, Grace, and Evan.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am, August 3rd at Bethany Evangelical Church in Canby, Oregon.