James E. Rensch

James (Jim) Rensch of St. Helens, Oregon, passed away on January 19, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 64. Jim was born on August 6, 1949 in St. Helens, Oregon to Joseph and Evelyn (Nelson) Rensch. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Pam; daughter, Jennifer Perez, and son-in-law, Norberto Perez; and grandsons: Samuel and Maxwell. He is also survived by his mother, Evelyn Bell; brother, Jerry Rensch and sister-in law, Kathy Rensch; and mother-in-law, Vera Fix; along with many nieces and nephews. The most important thing to Jim was spending time with his family. His favorite past times included camping at the Wickiup Reservoir, skiing, and working in his yard with his wife, daughter, and grandsons alongside him. He adored his new grandson Max (4 months) and shared a very special bond with his “Little Buddy” Sam (4 years). Jim was a lifelong resident of St. Helens, graduating from St. Helens High School in 1967. He was an all-around athlete, but his favorite sport was baseball. He was awarded a full scholarship to play baseball at the University of Illinois and was also invited to play professionally for the Cleveland Indians. In 1993 he was inducted into the St. Helens High School Hall of Fame. Keeping with Jim’s love of sports, he began each morning simultaneously reading the sports section of the newspaper and watching sports news on television while drinking his cup of coffee. He was a huge fan of the Oregon Ducks and enjoyed coaching his daughter’s fast-pitch softball team. Jim was a carpenter by trade and homebuilder. He started Jim Rensch Construction Company in the late 1970’s. He built many custom homes in Columbia County, including his and his wife’s family home in 1979, as well as his daughter’s home in 2003. Jim’s easy going nature and trademark silent laugh will be sorely missed. A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 2:00pm at the St. Helens Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers, remembrances are suggested to the American Cancer Society or the Columbia County Humane Society. Arrangements are by the Columbia Funeral Home in St. Helens.

James E. Rensch

August 6, 1949 - January 19, 2014