Dr. James Joseph Ponzetti Jr.

Dr. James Joseph Ponzetti Jr. was born in Boise, Idaho to James Joseph Sr. and Jo Ann Ponzetti at Saint Alphonsus Hospital on November 28, 1955. Called Jamie by his family, Jim in formal communication, "Ponz" by his friends and PaPonz by his grandchildren, he was the second of four children and the third generation to be born in Idaho. Growing up, his family moved frequently, including homes in Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, California, and Oregon. His career and family took him to North Dakota, New Mexico, Washington, Illinois, Oregon and British Columbia. Despite the many moves, his heart always considered the Pacific Northwest his home.

A brilliant scholar, Jim was known for his love of learning and education. He graduated from South Eugene High School in 1974 and attended the University of San Francisco, achieving a triple major in Psychology, Theology and Biology (class of 1978). He furthered his studies at Oregon State University and received a double Masters in 1980 in Counseling and Religious Studies. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Human Development and Family Studies in 1984. Always learning, Jim later received his Doctor in Ministry (DMin) from San Francisco Theological Seminary in Advanced Pastoral Studies in 2004.

While at Oregon State working on his doctorate, Jim met Rosanne Kocarnik. Sharing a deep commitment to one another, "Ponz and Roz" connected their faith and commitment to human development and family life with their love of nature and hospitality as they formed their relationship and married on June 18, 1983.

Throughout his career, Jim conducted research and coordinated various programs with a focus on couple and family life education, intergenerational relationships, family rituals, relationship development and dissolution, and a fascination with monastic communities. Professionally, Jim was a Professor at the University of New Mexico, Central Washington University and Western Illinois University. He became Executive Director of Parents Anonymous of Oregon and founded the Oregon Family Nurturing Center. In 2000, Jim joined the faculty as an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work and Family Studies at the University of British Columbia. Publishing multiple text books and research articles as well as coordinating and editing several volumes for an international encyclopedia on the family, he received recognition and awards from the publishers for his work. He retired from UBC in 2013. To see a more detailed outline of his education, professional history, and his significant impact on the field of family studies read here – https://tinyurl.com/DrPonzetti

Always a family man, Jim was a lifelong lover of music. He regularly followed his favorite musicians and attended folk concerts, sharing his excitement with friends and family by finding the "perfect song" that reminded him of them or shared a message. He loved hiking, camping, and the outdoors. He is remembered for his preparation and planning of family trips, explorations of the national parks, and enthusiasm for finding off the beaten path locations and 'unusual' places to stay. Jim was persistent and never messed with "a good thing". This resulted in numerous trips to New Mexico, several basset hounds over the years, countless tours of monasteries, and powerful opinions when it came to new ideas. Jim approached the world with loyalty, logic and efficiency that added energy to the conversation; but, always resulted in a wholehearted commitment and enthusiasm once he was invested.

Jim was intent and focused when working on his research and books; but, he also deeply enjoyed time with others and craved the connection of his family and friends. He was committed to sustaining relationships and prioritized maintaining contacts, reaching out with random phone calls, and showing his care in small, predictable ways that ultimately embodied his constant, reliable presence for those showing up in his life. He would chat for hours about whatever was on his mind, often poking at the edges or inciting an argument just to keep the conversation going. Jim is known for his ridiculous jokes, funny sayings, nicknames, and effusive table conversations. He is remembered for his appreciation of a good meal, a cheap deal, and basset hounds. He has left behind multiple dress shirts encased in plastic (so they don't get dirty), a boatload of CDs featuring his favorite artists, warm hearts that are remembering his sincerity, and enough coffee mugs to supply coffee and doughnuts for a year.

On January 25, 2023, Jim died from complications in the recovery phase of open heart surgery initiated to repair damage from the endocarditis he had survived the previous year. Heartbroken, his family knows his spirit has filled their life with love that will never be forgotten. He will be buried at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, we ask you to honor Jim's memory through the gift of your stories (https://tinyurl.com/PonzStories) so we can remember his beautiful life. Donations can be made to Christ in the Desert, a Benedictine monastery that Jim loved as he explored how families could benefit from a commitment to community and faith.

Jim is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Rosanne Kocarnik Ponzetti; his four children: Caitlin Ponzetti Binstock, Nick Ponzetti, Olivia Ponzetti, and Bridget Ponzetti; his son-in-law Jason Binstock; his two granddaughters: Abigail and Emma Binstock; his father James Ponzetti Sr.; and his sisters Kim McAdams and Nancy Comstock. He has joined his mother Jo Ann Ponzetti and his brother John Michael Ponzetti in heaven, may they rest peacefully in God's everlasting love.

Family and friends will be honoring Jim's life on March 25, 2023 at Resurrection Parish in Tualatin. There will be a Rosary at 10:30; followed by a Funeral Mass led by Fr. Bill Moisant at 11; concluding in a reception and Celebration of Life in the parish hall. Please join for all or part as we celebrate Jim. We look forward to hearing your stories and memories. May we all remain closely connected as we honor the friendships he held so dear.