Obituary of James A. Ridderbusch

James A. Ridderbusch, 76, died at 8:41 p.m. Friday, January 6, 2012, from injuries sustained in a pedestrian/vehicle accident in SW Portland, Oregon. Jim was born June 14, 1935, in Portland, Oregon and was a lifelong Oregon resident. Jim was raised in Bend, Oregon and graduated from Bend High School in 1953. He served 3 years in the United States Marine Corp from 1957-1960. Jim Ridderbusch joined the Operating Engineers Local 12 on 11/5/1966 in Southern California. He transferred to Local 701 in September 1973. Jim started out his career for the Local as a Field Representative in Central Oregon and was eventually brought into the office and made the Field Supervisor. He also held the positions of Trustee and Recording Corresponding Secretary on IUOE Local 701's Executive Board during his years as a member of Local 701. He was a member of Operating Engineers for 45 years this past November 2011. He was a labor relations consultant and contract administrator for Cascade General before his retirement in January 2002. Jim enjoyed the outdoors and had a wide range of interest that included traveling, fishing, hunting & rafting. In addition to spending time with friends & family Jim loved to cook, always looking for the next best recipe. He is survived by his children: Amy McCann, Anne Holman, Tony Jackson & Terry Ocker and his brother Chuck Ridderbusch. Jim has 7 grandchildren: Sara, Justin, Olivia, Theo, Emma, Ellie & Wyatt. He is preceded in death by his Mother, Ruth Allyn and his Father, Al Ridderbusch. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, January 22, at the Union Hall of Local 701 located at 555 East First Street, Gladstone, OR 97027. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Local 701 scholarship fund in memory of Jim Ridderbusch.