Obituary
James L. Sandsness, lovingly known as "Jim" to his
family and friends, passed away on October 26, 2026, at the age of 85. Born and
raised in Portland, Oregon, Jim lived a full and accomplished life, leaving
behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, athletic achievement, and love.
Jim was known for his positive attitude, warm smile, and
wonderful sense of humor. He was a loving, generous, and kind man who treated
everyone with kindness. He always seemed to have a smile on his face and a way
of making people feel welcome. His cheerful outlook on life and his ability to
find humor in everyday moments were among the qualities that made him so
special to those who knew him.
Jim's love of sports began at an early age. He attended Rose
City Grade School and graduated from Grant High School in 1958, where he
participated in football, basketball, and baseball. He was a member of Grant's
1958 State Championship Baseball Team, playing first base.
Following high school, Jim attended the University of Oregon
on a football scholarship. In 1960, he transferred to Linfield College, where
he continued his football career as a member of the 1961 football team. He
graduated from Linfield College in 1963.
Jim's athletic talents also took him to professional
baseball. In 1963, he signed a professional baseball contract with the New York
Mets, playing within their organization through 1965.
His athletic accomplishments were recognized throughout his
life. In 2005, Jim was inducted into the Linfield College Hall of Fame as a
member of the 1961 football team. In 2006, he was inducted into the PIL Hall of
Fame. He was also inducted into the Grant High School Hall of Fame in
recognition of his achievements in basketball, football, and baseball,
including his participation on the 1958 State Championship Baseball Team.
His love of sports continued throughout his life. In later
years, Jim especially enjoyed skiing and golf. A proud accomplishment came in
2012 when he became the Mt. Hood Golf Club Champion. Whether playing sports
himself or watching his favorite teams on television, Jim enjoyed almost every
sport and remained an enthusiastic sports fan.
Jim dedicated much of his professional life to education. He
was a teacher with Portland Public Schools for 31 years, retiring from teaching
in 1996. Even after retirement, his commitment to education continued as he
worked as a substitute teacher through 1999. His years in the classroom
reflected his dedication to students and the community in which he grew up.
Another special recognition Jim received was the American
Red Cross Certificate of Merit, the highest award given by the American Red
Cross. This honor is presented to individuals who save or sustain a life by
using skills and knowledge learned through a Red Cross Health Course. It was a
meaningful recognition of Jim's willingness and ability to help others when it
mattered most.
On March 9, 1968, Jim married the love of his life, Judith
L. (Judi) Mattson, a 1962 graduate of Sunset High School. Together, Jim and
Judi shared 58 years of marriage, love, and companionship.
Outside of sports and his many professional accomplishments,
Jim enjoyed watching old movies and westerns. He appreciated the simple
pleasures of life, time spent with family and friends, and, of course, keeping
up with his favorite sports.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Benhard Carl
"Sandy" Sandsness and Juanita Winefred Arntson Sandsness; his sister,
Judith "Judy" Ann Parkhurst; and his nephew, Jacob Parkhurst.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Judith L.
(Judi) Sandsness; his nephew, Scott Parkhurst and wife Sue, and their sons,
Jeffrey Parkhurst and Shawn (Kira) O'Roke; his niece, Debbie Kellogg and
husband Chuck, and their daughters, Claire and Hannah.
He is also survived by his sisters-in-law and their
families: Merri Sue Mattson and her daughter, Mindy Gimarelli, and
grandchildren, Lauren and Nick; Roberta Mattson and her husband, Jim Hallaux,
and their children, Jon Hallaux, Ashlie Crouch, and James Robert "JR"
Mattson; and Sheri Kay Coonrod and her husband, Rick Coonrod, and their
children, Randy Tyle, Rodney Tyle, Robin Tyle, and Richard Tyle.
Jim will be remembered for so much more than his
accomplishments. He will be remembered for his ever-present smile, his quick
wit, his positive outlook, his generosity, and the kindness he extended to
everyone he met. He was a devoted husband, a dedicated teacher, a talented
athlete, and, above all, a genuinely good person.
His life was filled with achievements, friendships,
laughter, and love. While he will be deeply missed, the memories he created and
the lives he touched will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved
him.
For 58 years, Jim was my husband, my companion, and my best
friend. I was blessed to share my life with him, and I will carry his love and
memory in my heart forever.
He will be forever loved, deeply missed, and never
forgotten.