James W. Gerschler, BHS 1952?

James W. Gerschler, BHS 1952?

Jim Gerschler, 75, of Ashland, Ore., passed away July 12, 2010, at home with his wife and family by his side.

Jim was born September 3, 1934, in Burbank, Calif., to James MacMunn Gerschler and Nina Wyatt. After graduating from Burbank High School, he worked numerous jobs before being conscripted into the Army, where he was stationed in Puerto Rico specializing in communications.

Jim worked for Pacific Bell Telephone for 41 years and was a dedicated employee until his retirement in 1996. Jim loved riding motorcycles and met the love of his life, Helen, through her father who was also an avid rider. They were married December 4, 1959. Jim moved his family from Southern Calif. to Ashland, Ore., in early 1970; he was a visionary, recognizing that Ashland was a great place to raise a family.

Jim was known for his wonderful smile and was quick to strike up a conversation with anyone whenever he would walk about town. He was often described as a very nice man. Jim assisted with Boy Scouts and Y Indian Guides, and enjoyed geology, history, wildlife and spending time outdoors. He loved to take his kids out camping, hiking, and fishing in the family's 1959 Chevy pickup truck. Family meant everything to Jim. In his later years, he liked to take road trips where he would visit historical places and talk to the locals.

Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Helen; children; Denise (Ron) Sutphin, of Sams Valley, Ore., Chris (Paula) Gerschler, of Medford, Ore., Kenneth (Linda E.) Gerschler, of Noraville, Australia., Jeffrey (Linda W.) Gerschler, of Ashland, Ore., and Wendy (Robert) Kramer, of Portland, Ore.; nine grandchildren, Jared, Kaitlyn, Alexa, Austin, Josh, Isabella, Emma, Riley, and Grayson; and by his brother, Bruce M. Gerschler, of Arleta, Calif.

A service will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Home in Ashland, Ore.