On February 28, 2024 James (Jim) Rieder, 78, passed away after a long battle with dementia. He was at home with his wife, Sherry, and cat, Eliza, sleeping next to him.

Jim was born December 11, 1945 to Roy and Anna Jean Rieder in Silverton, Oregon, where he completed grade school and high school. He is remembered as a stellar athlete.

Immediately after high school, he enlisted in the Army and served in the Airborne Division in Vietnam, receiving a Bronze Star. The experience was disturbing for him and he rarely mentioned any details but he was proud of being airborne.

When he returned to Oregon, he and his first wife had a son, Matthew, who they lost to leukemia at age 10.

Jim worked for the state of Oregon in computer operations for most of his career, retiring after 30 years, spending 17 years as night shift supervisor.

He leaves behind family members and in-laws who loved him, siblings Charlotte, Clara, John and Karla; and Sherry's siblings, Jennifer, Heidi, Vance, Justin and Kip. All of us remember him for his kindness, steadiness, thoughtfulness, openness to new things, fearlessness and enthusiasm for just about anything.

Countless people lost a great friend when Jim Rieder left the earth. Jim made friends wherever he went, often through sports; If a sport included a ball, Jim was a fan forever, especially of his Oregon State Beavers. In his younger days he played basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball and golf. He kept up the golf until he was unable to get to the course; a highlight of his life was a trip to Scotland, with his lifelong friend, Terry, to play on some of the old courses where golf began. He also served as a golf marshal at Crooked River Golf Course, where he was respected for his ability as well as his firm, respectful demeanor on the course. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hiking, fishing and skiing.

He is predeceased by his parents, son Matthew and niece, Lilly and nephew, Joe.

We would like to thank those who assisted Jim in his journey: The Grace Center in Corvallis, Brookstone Memory Care and Serenity Hospice of Salem and Willamette Valley Caregivers for sending us Aster and Emily.

There will be a family service this week and an outdoor gathering later this year.

We love flowers, but to honor Jim, he would most appreciate a donation in his name to any organization providing service dogs to veterans. Jim loved our animals, especially his great dog friend, Maggie, and he was proud of those who served our country.