Robert James "Jim" Gorthy

Robert James "Jim" Gorthy was born on August 3, 1933, in Roseburg, Oregon to Robert Hugh and Olena Faye Gorthy (nee McLin). He spent his early childhood in Logging Camp 5 near Wendling, Oregon, before moving to Springfield. In 1951 he graduated from Springfield High School, and that same year married his beloved wife of 72 years, Veva Gorthy (nee Dent).
Jim spent his working years at Weyerhauser, making his way from the sawmill to the research labs. During retirement, Jim picked up several new hobbies and was proud to be one of the wood carvers who helped create the Salem Riverfront Carousel. In his later years, Jim could often be found sitting on the porch, coffee in hand, watching the birds and humming a favorite tune.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Hugh and Olena Faye Gorthy, along with sisters Evelyn Lawson and Vivian Sproed. He is survived by his wife Veva Gorthy, children David Gorthy (wife Melody), Michael Gorthy (wife Jeanette), and Jeanine Elbert (husband Alvin), four grandchildren (Allen, Geoffrey, Megan, Troy) and two great-grandchildren (David, Adrianna).