Jim Souza was born October 15,1925 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He lived 98 wonderful years before passing on July 7, 2024 in Scottsdale, Ariz. Growing up in Hawaii, one of twelve children, he loved his big family, walking to the beach and hiking Punchbowl Crater. At age 16, Jim watched the bombing of Pearl Harbor from the rooftop of his home. The day after he graduated High School he was conscripted into the Army. After WWII, he attended the University of Portland on a football scholarship and at that time met Dagny Wold. Jim and Dagny married in 1948.
His first teaching job was in Klamath Falls, Ore. In 1955, Jim taught and coached at St. Francis Catholic High School in Eugene. He also attended the University of Oregon earning a Masters Degree. His proudest career achievement was coaching the 1960 varsity basketball team to a State Championship. Fall of 1960, Jim was recruited to coach the Beaverton High School varsity basketball team. In 1966, he became Athletic Director at Whitford Junior High School. Jim retired from teaching in 1983, continuing as Athletic Director until 1989.
Jim and Dagny shared their love of family, friends, hard work, music, dancing and traveling. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary this past November. Jim was adored by all who knew him. In retirement, he spent time with his grandchildren who knew him as “Papa” and with whom he had close relationships. He loved the sun on his face and his smile melted your heart. He was tough but loving, strong but gentle, quiet but he loved to tease. Through his last days, he was so strong. Jim will be interred at Punchbowl National Cemetery, Oahu, Hawaii. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Jim Souza is survived by his wife Dagny; children, Michael Souza, Jo Altendorf (Larry), Robert Souza (Maria), Cecelia Olden (Ken), Denice Portwood; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
A Funeral Mass will be held on October 7, 2024 at 11 a.m.
St. Cecilia Catholic Church 5105 SW Franklin Ave Beaverton, Ore.
Reception immediately following in Parish Center In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Beyond Ranch Foundation info@beyondranchfoundation.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Oregonian from Jul. 26 to Jul. 28, 2024.