Final Salute

Jim was born to James and Josephine Ernest in their home in Vernonia, Oregon on July 28, 1950. When he was one year old the family relocated to Warren, OR. He was the eldest of five children, and the only son.
Jim went to Warren Grade School and graduated from Scappoose High School in 1968. He then went to college at Oregon State University and was a life-long Beaver fan. He graduated with a degree in Agriculture Economics in 1972. While at OSU he met Mary Bair, they were married in 1971 and continued their life together for 52 years, until Jim’s passing.
In 1972 Jim joined the Naval Reserves, he received training in construction with the Seabees naval unit at Camp Pendleton. He completed active duty in Gulfport, Mississippi and then continued his service with the Naval Reserves for 6 more years. During this time Jim and Mary moved to Warren, Oregon to work on the family farm.
Jim worked on the family farm until his health declined. Even while farming and with three busy children, he started a successful logging and construction business (Jim Ernest Logging and Construction). Jim’s friendly demeanor and winning smile allowed him to create many lasting friendships through a variety of diverse situations, often through his construction and farming businesses.
Preceding Jim in death, were his parents, James Calvin Ernest and Josephine Mae (Blaha) Ernest; and his sister Janice Ernest. Jim is survived by his wife, Mary; their three children, Bill Ernest, Sally (Ernest) Mills (Galen Mills), and Amanda Ernest-Fogle (Dan Fogle); three grandchildren, Anson, Gus, and Emma.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., November 11th, 2023, at Grace Lutheran Church, 51737 Columbia River Highway, Scappoose, OR 97056, reception to follow at the same location.

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