James H Confer

James H Confer
Date Of Birth: 11/19/1943
Date of Death: 07/04/2025
Jim Confer, Sr, a devoted family man and a dedicated civil engineer passed away on July 4, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. He was born on November 19, 1943, in Dayton, Ohio to parents Janette Parsons Confer and Herman Huiet Confer.
Jim graduated from Broad Ripple High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, as part of the Class of 1961. He pursued his civil engineering degree at Purdue University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1966. He also obtained a Master of Business Administration. He was awarded the designation of Professional Engineer by the State of Indiana.
Jim began his professional career as project manager for the construction of the Eagle Creek dam in Indianapolis. Through the years his career took him to Wyoming, Texas and finally Portland, Oregon supervising the construction of several power plants. In Portland, he started his own company, Interwest Construction, which built many commercial and residential facilities in the Portland area. Additionally, he founded the development company, BJ & JAACKS. He served on several terms of the Session at Bethany Presbyterian church sharing his expertise in finance.
Jim enjoyed golf, hunting and fishing. He loved following his sports teams: The Purdue Boilermakers, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins and the Indiana Pacers all had his support. He spent many hours tending to his garden of roses, blueberries and raspberries. If the grandchildren could not be found, their feet could be seen beneath the fruit bushes enjoying the harvest the plants provided. In addition to the garden, he spent time feeding and watching the birds in his backyard.
Times visiting the Oregon coast with his wife, Beth were dear to Jim. Dinners and barbeques at home with the family all together with good food and much laughter were also precious times. He cherished times with his grandchildren following their sports and dance activities and even taking simple walks together. He was always a great teaser and was one who enjoyed a good joke. A good steak and a gin martini were also favorites.
Jim is survived by his sister, Janet Rae (Bill) Pfadt; his children Jim, Jr (Alison) Confer, Kathy Laver, Amy (Andy) Barker; 5 grandchildren, Chris (Anastasia) Confer, Sydney (Nate) Confer, Preston Confer, Kess (Dakota) Stackhouse, and Mallory Confer; and 2 great granddaughters Juniper Autumn Confer and Eleanor Beth Howard, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Ann (Beth), his mother and father, and his brother Stephen Confer.
Services will take place on July 14 from 11am-2pm at Springer and Son Funeral Home located at 4150 SW 185th Ave, Aloha, Oregon 97006.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association. You may click here to donate.