James Franklin Dean's Obituary
James Dean Obituary
James Franklin Dean (Jimmy) was born on July 31, 1929 in Spokane, Washington to Richard Clarence Dean and Inez Viola (Bergey). He passed away at his home in Warren, Oregon on April 22, 2016.
When he was 13, Jimmy left home and moved to Montana to work in a logging camp. He moved to Portland in 1948 where he worked at different trades; bike messenger, truck driver, steeplejack, Hyster driver and shipyard painter/sandblaster. Jimmy was a strong supporter of union rights and a member of Painters Local 10 for over 20 years. He retired in 1991.
Jimmy loved being outdoors and using his woodworking skills to create unique items. He was a Harley Davidson enthusiast and avid NASCAR fan. Jimmy found great joy spending time with family and friends.
Jimmy married Jean Sweetland and they had six children. They divorced and in 1976 he married Paula Smith and they had two children.
Jimmy is survived by his wife, Paula, his seven children; Bobbie Dean, Gloria Vormestrand, Debra Lucas, Ernest Dean, James Dean, Jr. , Jonathan Dean and Brenda Squires as well as two brothers, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Randy.
A private memorial service is planned.
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