James E. Svoboda's Obituary
James E. Svoboda (Jim) lost his valiant battle with cancer and heart disease, passing away on December 30, 2013 at the age of 81. Jim was a life-long Oregonian. He was born in Portland, Oregon on August 15, 1932 and was the third son of John and Florence Svoboda, long-time owners of Florence Auto Park and Shell Service Station, south of Scappoose. His brothers, John and David preceded him in death at ages 90 and 8 respectively.
Jim graduated from Scappoose Elementary and Scappoose Union High School in 1950. After two years at the University of Portland, he enlisted in the US Navy and served two years in San Diego as a chaplain's assistant and librarian. Upon his discharge, Jim returned to the University of Portland and earned his BA in Business Administration in 1957, followed by his Masters Degree in Education. He taught elementary and middle school in Portland until his retirement in the 1990's.
In the 1960's Jim partnered with Jack Cruikshank and Chuck Nakvasil and began a movie theater business which included leasing, purchasing, remodeling, renovating and operating several theaters in the Portland area, most notably, the Laurelhurst theater during the James Bond, Goldfinger era. Their partnership endured for over 40 years. Locally, Jim purchased the St. Helens, Columbia Theater in about 1964 and operated it until about a year before his death. He took immense pride in restoring the 1920 vintage theater to its original beauty but with modern amenities and technology.
He was an active member of both the St. Wenceslaus (Scappoose), and St. Frederic (St. Helens) Catholic Churches and was a generous contributor to both church projects and overseas missions. Jim lived his life with honesty, integrity, and generosity. He will certainly be missed.
Jim requested any donations be directed to the churches mentioned above. Prayers and mass said on his behalf would be appreciated.
A Funeral Mass was held on Monday, January 6, 2014 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with a Vault Interment at the Church Cemetery in Scappoose.
Condolences may be sent to the family on line at wwww.columbiafh.com
Columbia Funeral Home, Directors.
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