Extracted from The Statesman Journal (Salem, OR)
Tuesday, January 4, 2005

James Alfred Brewer

SALEM - James A. Brewer died January 2, 2005 at the age of 83. Born October 31, 1921 in Winnfield, Louisiana into a family of eight children of whom he was the youngest, he was the sole survivor at the time of his death. He attended the local elementary and high schools where he became quickly known throughout the town for his fun-loving nature which he so ably demonstrated as yell king during his high school years. Later he attended Louisiana State University for a short period before enlisting in the United States Armed Forces that led to his transfer to Camp Adair in the Pacific Northwest in the early 1940's.

While in training, he met Mary Patricia Skaling who he married shortly thereafter and with whom he had eight children, one of whom predeceased him. After serving in Europe during World War II, he was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to Oregon where he and his wife made their home in Salem. He established and operated Pacific Rug & Furniture Cleaners through the late 1970's. His life centered around family and friends, and for a time the Salem Golf Course, where he became known as a pretty decent golfer. He took great pride in the antics and accomplishments of his seven children, occasionally contributing his own in the form of practical jokes that sometimes only he could appreciate. Animals, like humans, were not immune to his sense of humor. He took particular delight in training the family cat to retrieve spent cigarette packages and more recently, enticing a family of squirrels to join him in his apartment for peanuts.

Working to provide for his family and being with friends left little time for other activities. But one he enjoyed tremendously was being a member of the BPOE, Salem Lodge #336. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, given his enjoyment of the Elks and his interest in ensuring his children had a quality education, the family suggests contributions to the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship Program. This award is granted annually to one Salem high school senior boy and girl. Contributions may be sent in care of the organization at 2336 Turner Road SE, Salem, OR 97302 or to a charity of your choice.

He is survived by his children and their families, including 12 grandchildren: Karon M. Pittman of Portland, JimmeKaye Quinn of San Diego, Kandis Brewer Nunn of Portland, Karla Brewer Robbins of Philomath, James Kent Brewer of Salem, Kimberlee S. B. Scotese of Omaha, and Kelsey P. Brewer Richardson of Salem.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 5, 2005 at Howell-Edwards Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom, 1350 Commercial Street SE in Salem. The family has made arrangements for private interment thereafter.