In memory of

James (Jim) Russell Morehead

Jan 29, 1946
Feb 2, 2019

Obituary

James R. Morehead was born January 29, 1946 to John and Midge Morehead in Chicago, Illinois. He passed away at home in Salem, OR on February 2, 2019 with his family at his bedside. He is survived by his wife Judi, son Robin, nephew Matt Rodriguez who was as close as a son. Also surviving are Jim’s 3 sisters, Beverly Wilson, Marilyn Edwards and Margie Rodriquez; his in-laws, Jim and Lorraine Pointer and Tom and Diane Pointer; and his beloved niece, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.

Family and community were important to Jim all his life. He hosted a “cousin’s country camp” with annual week-long visits to his home for his niece and nephews. He was a youth baseball coach for many years and volunteered to help with other sports and activities. He loved teaching and encouraging young people.

He was an artist who most enjoyed working with wood. His family home today is decorated with his unique and beautiful creations. Jim worked in the woods for many years contracting with lumber companies to acquire firewood for sale. He was an insurance agency manager, furniture builder, owned and operated Father and Son Sports Card shop in Dallas, Oregon, and was a professional videographer.

With Jim’s passing, the world lost a great husband, dad, brother, brother-in-law and uncle. He left us all too soon, his dedication to family and friends will be missed by everyone who knew him. He taught us all how to bravely approach problems life gives us and work tirelessly to solve them. Jim was a model for life-long learning and positive growth.

Before he died, Jim shared his vision of sitting with his parents, peacefully, on a large porch. That is a vision his family will take comfort from as we move forward. A celebration of life for Jim will be held at his home in West Salem on Saturday, March 16, 2019, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Service Information

Celebration of Life
Saturday, March 16, 2019, 1-4pm
Jim's Home in West Salem

Messages of Sympathy

  1. Susan Monlux says:

    Jim was a very loving husband,father,brother, uncle and friend. I have known Jim for sixty years and considered him family .
    I remember seeing Jim at Lewisville Park when Robin was around three years old, pushing Robin on a swing
    ever so gently and with such obvious love in his eyes.
    Jim will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. May he rest in peace.

    Caring thoughts are with you....
    Love,
    Susan

  2. C Butler says:

    May the God of Tender Mercies (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) comfort family and friends of Jim. When the last enemy death (1 Corinthians 15:26) strikes grief may be great. God Almighty gives HOPE and PROMISE. All those in the memorial tombs will hear Jesus’ voice and COME OUT (John 5: 28,29). God will wipe OUT every tear from their eyes and Death will be NO MORE. Revelation 21:4. Please accept my sincere condolences.

  3. Matt (Youngster) says:

    We lost a "classic" on February 2, 2019. I have so many great memories of my life with my uncle Jim and I can use those to keep him in my life until I can sit on that porch. Some of those memories include going fishing with him, I was really young, but still remember. Going logging, he would load me and sleeper (dog) up in whatever old truck he had and take us into the woods and we (me and sleeper) would run around while he cut wood and loaded the truck and we load back up. I don't remember the drives home because I would usually be asleep. Two on one basketball in the driveway with Robin and trying desperately to beat him and he hated to lose, and rarely did. There were usually some good talking after those games.
    He was an extreme animal lover and treated every pet like a person, including the cows sometimes. I am going to miss being called youngster every time we talked and getting to call him old timer. He was ALWAYS there for me throughout my life for anything even if it was just for a good argument about things that had no impact on either of us. Jim has imprinted on me so much of who I am just by being who he was and what he meant to me. I wished I had spent more time with him in his final years, months and days, but in my heart he will always live so in truth I am with him everyday. I love you old timer.

  4. Anonymous says:

    Dad - no words can express my heartache right now but to be there with you through your life was a true blessing , you taught me so many things and how to be a real person . I truly was proud of your growth even towards the end of your life . You are my inspiration and I will always have your spirit here so we are close by . Love you dad - rj

  5. Kurt and Linda Johansen says:

    Jim will be missed by many. Always had a sweet smile and gave the best hugs. Happy to know that he will be waiting on that porch for everyone he loved.

  6. Johansen Family - Erin, Josh, Ella, Jake & Edie says:

    I have fond memories of summers at Jim and Judi’s - always welcoming us to their home and loving us. Uncle Jim always called me ‘hun’ and made sure the boys were nice to me. He gave the best, biggest and strongest hugs. We have a coffee table and Jim art on the wall to keep us close. More recently I love how he stayed connected on Instagram, always following everyone and sharing such positive and loving comments. He was a devoted husband and father, it will always be Jim, Judi and Robin. He loved my mom so much. I’m thankful they had each other for as long as they did. Thank you Uncle Jim for being part of our lives and for loving my family in the best way. You will be missed. Rest In Peace Love and hugs to Judi and Robin! Erin, Josh, Ella, Jake and Edie

  7. Mountain Wilson’s says:

    I always felt a loved by my aunt and uncle and a special kinship for their country lifestyle. Swimming in the pond, driving the old pick up or watching baseball games with Uncle Jim. I am happy that I had an Uncle that cared about us and took the time to enjoy us. We love you Jim, Judy and Robin.

  8. Travis Wilson says:

    Uncle Jim was a man about family. I loved spending 2 weeks every summer during my teen years at uncle jimmys and aunt Judy’s house. It was bonding time with my cousins and siblings. He loved having us there and we felt that love.( albeit tough at times.)I never forgot how the time spent made us feel, closer to each other. He was the fastest eater in the world. Hands down was the first person at the table and the first one done. I loved his counter point look on life. I love you uncle Jim. Rest In Peace

  9. Bev Wilson says:

    I lost a good friend and big brother. I will miss our long phone conversations, sharing the joys and challenges of growing up. I’ll miss our lunches and all the family celebrations. I will miss his honest opinions and keen observations. He loved me and always let me know and I knew he was always in my corner. His love and support give me strength but his absence breaks my heart. I remind myself to treasure the time we had and know some day I will be on the porch with him.

  10. Staff of Johnson Funeral Home says:

    Rest peacefully Jim. Thank you for the trust placed in Johnson Funeral Home.

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