James Arthur Rotramel
1930 - 2014
James Arthur Rotramel
1930 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1930
DIED
2014
James Rotramel Obituary
Jim taught science and coached in Franklin, MN ('52-'54) and Dayton, OR ('54-'56). He spent the next 35 years of his career as a teacher, coach and administrator in the Parkrose district, serving as athletic director at the high school from 1967 until his retirement in 1991. His leadership in athletic administration was felt at the state as well as district levels. He helped promote soccer, girls' basketball, and coed gymnastic programs before they were official Oregon School Activities Association sports. Jim was a past President of the Oregon High School Coaches Association and served as first President of the Oregon Athletic Directors Association ('69-'70). He was inducted into the organization's Hall of Fame in 2011. The OADA has presented a Jim Rotramel Service Award in his honor annually to an athletic director who exemplifies the profession with a life-long commitment to serving youth.
Sue and Jim welcomed their sons James in 1969 and Timothy in 1971. They celebrated the marriage of James to Charissa Hanson in 2011. Lila W. Rotramel arrived in 2012, affording Jim the long-awaited chance to be a proud grandfather.
Jim and Sue raised their family in Portland's Argay neighborhood. Jim enjoyed traveling and spending time at their home in Manzanita, OR. He cherished his church and taught a weekly Bible study there for over twenty years. He was devoted to friends from Parkrose and kept close contact with high school pals and college teammates he first met over 60 years ago. He loved bringing people together: organizing parties, planning and attending reunions, Sunday night suppers with the family. His family was his pride and his joy.
He was predeceased by his parents and by his brother, Robert Rotramel. He is survived by his devoted wife Sue, sons Jim (Charissa) and Tim, granddaughter, Lila, and his brother, Bill Rotramel (Oceanside, CA).
A memorial service will be at 3 p.m., Wednesday, December 3, 2014, at Faithful Savior Lutheran Church, 11100 NE Skidmore Street, Portland, OR 97220. Donations may be made in Jim's memory to the church, specifying "Family Fun Day Project."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sue
December 12, 2014
He is darning socks some where I am sure.
December 10, 2014
Condolences to Sue and family on the recent passing of their husband, father and grandfather: Jim Rotramel.
I met "Rote" in the fall of 1962, the first of my four years of teaching at Parkrose High School. We immediately discovered that we were both Oles, graduates of St. Olaf College, a college in Minnesota with strong Norwegian Lutheran roots where everyone sings, with concentrated discipline in one of five choirs or with reckless abandon in the cheering section at home football games. The first song every freshman learns is "Um Yah Yah," the most distinctive college fight song in Nordic America, one that Jim must have heard from the stands many times during the three years he was a starting lineman on the Ole football team.
Consequently, at Parkrose, "Rote" and I could and would spontaneously strike up a rousing chorus of "Um Yah Yah" at faculty parties. As Garrison Keillor has observed, it is a fight song that is also a dance, rhythmically composed in waltz time, a cheerful celebration as well as a call to battle. That's why Bill Rotramel (older brother and elder Ole) and I suddenly felt the urge to spontaneously honor Jim with a parting "Um Yah Yah" at the church reception following the memorial service. "Rote" was always the life of the party. His spirit inspired all of us, particularly on this memorable day.
Pete Charlston Portland, OR
Parkrose Senior High
English Dept. 1962-66
Laura Campbell Mlynarczyk
December 4, 2014
My brother just let me know, and a flood of good times came back to me. Sue, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. As our 50th class reunion approaches this summer, I smaile at the terrific memories our class created. So happy to read from Bill More about the reunion of the State Basketball Championship. Mr. Rotramel was central to all those wonderful days, making each student feel so very special. My heartfelt condolences for your loss.
Bill More
December 2, 2014
My condolences to the family and especially to you, Sue, who I grew up with along with your brother Bill.
I know God called Jim because He has a higher plan for him. I wouldn't be surprised if he is an important angel still looking down and taking care of us.
Jim was a fantastic teacher and Athletic Director. He was a very giving person and great story teller. His attention and care went beyond school to real friendship. He was so generous in organizing our 50 year reunion of the 1964 State Basketball Championship.
WHAT A GUY! He is already missed.
Always with Love & respect,
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December 2, 2014
I also had Mr Rotramel for a teacher at Parkrose. He will be missed.
Becki Haglund-Smith
Ann Morgan
December 1, 2014
I'm very sorry to read of Jim's death. I met Jim and Sue at the Manzanita Library 25 years ago, and enjoyed bantering with them over the years about many things, especially the 49ers. My condolences to the family.
Wynn Chappell
December 1, 2014
May the comfort of Jesus abide with those of us who loved Mr. Rotramel. Wynn Chappell class of '64 and Annie Woelts-Chappell class of '66
November 30, 2014
Surprised and saddened by learning of Jim's passing. You are being remembered in my prayers. Susan I do hope you are okay and will see you on Wednesday. Your Manzanita Neighbor,
Lenora Howton
Catherine Blumberg
November 30, 2014
Jim was always larger than life. He was funny, kind, full of wonderful stories. Always ready for a game, to discuss a book, to share a laugh. He lived in the moment and enjoyed them all. I treasure all the wonderful times shared with Sue and Jim and the memories will reside with those I hold most dear.
Cathy Blumberg
November 30, 2014
Our neighbor and friend will always be remembered for giving 3 soccer dads field passes for the Semi/Finals at Multnomah stadium for 1974 state championship games! Darrell & Kae Bains
November 30, 2014
We all fondly remember Jim Rotramel. He was one of our favorite teachers. He had a unique ability to deal with his students from a position of authority, yet maintain personal friendships. We learned from him - there should be more like him.
Roger Williams
Ed West
November 30, 2014
The best athletic director any high school could have had. All Parkrose will remember him with fondness.
November 30, 2014
He was a great teacher....May he rest in peace. Prayers for the family, sending from Arizona.
Maggie Sanseri Applegate
November 30, 2014
We have many fond memories of Jim from our long ago friendship and Parkrose High School connections. Sincere sympathy from the "Denney girls", now Marilyn Floyd, Deborah Waksman, and Elizabeth Naciri.
November 30, 2014
We will miss Jim. He was a man who made major contributions to education and he was friendly and helpful neighbor.
Gloria and Ray Nelson and family
Ginny Eder Tinling
November 30, 2014
Mr. Rotramel was my Science Teacher at Parkrose Heights Junior High. He taught me about the "birds and bees", and lots more. Always smiling, friendly, kind.
Linda Nelson
November 29, 2014
Sending condolences and prayers to Sue and the family in your loss. May God's presence and peace be with you.
Tom Toombs
November 21, 2014
Mr. Rotramel was my science teacher at Parkrose Jr. High. I remember him as a man with a ready smile, who had the ability to make every student feel they had value. He was the subject of many conversations between myself and other former classmates reminiscing about days of old at class reunions and I never heard anyone ever express a derogatory word about Mr. Rotramel.
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