Jim Vickers, 1933-2011
Provided by the family
James Clyde Vickers, 77 of Newport, passed away at his home on June 7th 2011. He was born July 17, 1933 in Gresham Oregon. He was adopted by Irene Bacon–Vickers and Clyde Vickers. He grew up in Vancouver, Washington and he had a newspaper route and rode his bike to deliver papers. He became an Eagle Scout in 1951. He worked for SP&S (Spokane, Portland & Seattle) Railroad and also worked for a brick layer. In 1949 he started at Safeway as a Meat Cutter then moved into Produce and Management. In 1951 he graduated from Vancouver High School. On June 11, 1952 he married the LOVE of his life, Cleo Gustafson. They had 4 children Stephen, Teresa, Linda and Diane.
Jim managed seven Safeway stores starting in Vancouver Washington, Camas Washington, Portland area stores, Coquille, Coos Bay and North Bend. On August 1, 1971 he and Cleo bought J C Market in Newport and all of the children moved here to work in the store. This year, 2011, is the 40th anniversary of J C Market. Jim and Cleo still sponsor little league teams and scoreboards in the area. He is a big supporter of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited and Oregon Hunters Association.
Jim became a member of the Rotary in 1972 and received the Paul Harris Award. He was on the Board of Directors of Yaquina Bay Bank. Jim served on the Board of Directors for United Grocers in Portland for 14 years. He has been a member of Elks for 55 years and a lifetime member of the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
Hobbies included remodeling his house, fishing, hunting, collecting wine, camping, golf, he loved watching his grandkids in baseball, football and basketball, liked to travel. After retirement he built a wood shop to do wood working, he made many things from tables, grandfather clocks, desks, hope chests, benches, and wagons to name a few. He loved to spend time with his wife and family. He loved his grandchildren. He was a father figure to many and known as “Gramps”.
He enjoyed building his cabin up at Logsden in 1976 which they sold in 1996 and bought a home in Sun Lakes, Arizona. He and Cleo loved to entertain friends and family and loved to play dominos and enjoyed the warm weather down South. This past winter he learned how to Skype his family and liked that very much to keep in touch.
He is survived by his wife Cleo, son Stephen (fiancé Gabriela) granddaughter April Winchell and great granddaughters Kymberly and Zoe Winchell, grandson Jimmy Vickers. Daughter Teresa (Doug Eriksen), grandsons Jason (Jen) Allen, great grandchildren Ryder and Tenley Allen, Cory (Jen) Allen, Casey Allen. Daughter Linda Owen. Daughter Diane (Lyle Mattson). Sisters Irene (Bruce) Houston, and Sandy Terrill and numerous nieces and nephews.
Donations can be made to: Newport Booster Club, P O Box 2216, Newport, OR 97365
American Cancer Society 2350 Oakmont Way Suite 200, Eugene, OR 97401
Arrangements being handled by Bateman Funeral Home, Newport, OR
Viewing June 17th 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. & June 18th 9 a.m. – 12 noon at Bateman’s
Services held at Church of the Nazarene, 2:00 p.m. 227 N W 12th Newport, Oregon
We should name a street after THIS guy and not the controversial Mr. Winingsted.
Jim was a thoughtful, wonderful man that loved our community. I was honored to work at JC Market in Toledo for 12 years. My heart and blessings go to the Vickers.