Jim was born November 29, 1930, in Woodland, California, and raised by his parents, James and Susie Goss. A trumpet player in his youth, Jim had his own band in high school and college. He met the love of his life, Patricia, in high school and they were married for 52 years until Pats death in 2003.

Jim graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1952. To aid in the Korean War efforts, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and became an intelligence officer, stationed in Washington, D.C. Following his naval service, Jim became a store manager for Sprouse-Reitz in Petaluma, California. He would go on to build an accomplished career with the successful variety store chain, moving to their corporate offices in Portland in 1964 and retiring as executive vice president in 1993. Jim and Pat loved to spend time at their vacation homes on the Oregon coast and Lake Tahoe, as well as traveling to more faraway destinations. Jim was known for his optimism, thoughtfulness, keen intelligence and love of pets, who were always considered members of the family.

He was a generous and devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be deeply missed by his family, including his sister, Susan Bernhiem (Robert); sons, Jim Goss III (Ann) and Timothy Goss (Ann); grandchildren, Stuart Goss (Jacque), Megan Schuldt (Chris), Maxwell Goss and Claire Goss; and great-grandson, Edison Goss.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; and brother, Alfred.

A private memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jim and Pat’s name to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Born: November 29, 1930 Death: April 14, 2016 Share your thoughts and memories in the guestbook.