Obituary of James Stanley Tederman

James Stanley Tederman died peacefully at home in Portland, Oregon, on August 6, 2021.   His family was by his side.   “Jim” was born in Gothenburg, Nebraska, the second child of Mary Elizabeth Mann Tederman and Stanley Russell Tederman.   When he was ten years of age his family moved to Holdrege, Nebraska.  While in high school, he participated in football, basketball and track, lettering in all three sports and setting many records in track.   He was an excellent athlete and was selected to play in the state Shriner game held in Lincoln, Nebraska.   He was lucky enough to have Gale Sayers as his roommate during this game.

Upon graduating from high school, he boarded a train to California where he enrolled at Leland Stanford University.    He graduated from Stanford in 1965 with a BA degree and a major in political Science.    He resumed his education at the University of Nebraska in the fall of 1965 and received his master’s degree in political theory in 1967.  While at the University, he met and married Jane Ryon, to whom he was wed for fifty-five years.   They had one son, Caine, born in Lincoln, Nebraska.

In 1969 he began his long career in college student services as resident advisor at Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa.   He was promoted to assistant dean of student affairs, then associate dean and finally Vice-president and Dean of Student Services.   He retained this position until 1988.   He finished his career as Vice-president and Dean of Student Services at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, and retired in 2000.   Many, many accomplishments at each of these colleges have cemented his legacy in the field of Student Services.   His book, “Advice from the Dean” is still being used in college classrooms.

Outside of work, he enjoyed boating, water skiing, fishing, elk hunting, and snow skiing in his free time.   During his retirement, he traveled extensively in Mexico and developed a strong love of the country and its history.  He also traveled to Europe and within the United States.

Jim was a visionary and an inspiration to his family, friends and colleagues.   He was a team builder, a team leader, and a teammate, all in one.    Jim, thank you for being YOU – cowboy boots, bourbon, sense of humor, motorcycles, and all.   And, thank you for allowing us to be part of your team!   We will always keep you in our hearts.

Jim is survived by his wife Jane, son, Caine (Portland, OR), sisters Kathleen Watson, Chadron, Nebraska, Nancy (Tom) Osborne, Lincoln, Nebraska,  brothers-in-law Forrest Ryon, Palm Springs, CA, Roger (Diane) Ryon,  Bloomington, IL, sister-in-law Linda (Nye) Woodhouse, many nieces and nephews, and many cousins.   He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, George Watson, and his parents.

A celebration of his life will he held at a future date.

Any memorials may be directed to an educational institution of your choice.