James E. Barrett
June 21, 1921 — March 7, 2015
James Edward Barrett, 93, passed away March 7,2015 in Portland, Oregon. Jimmy was born June 21, 1921 to parents Edward Barrett and May McCarthy. Born and raised in Portland he attended Holy Rosary Grade School before graduating from Columbia Preparatory High School. During World War II, he joined the Coast Guard and served on the USCGC Haida patrolling the Aleutian Islands. After he was discharged he went to work as a brick mason and eventually started his own contracting business, which he owned and operated for many years. Jimmy was especially proud of his Irish ancestry and the roll his family played in building many of the historic Catholic churches in Oregon. He was also a long time member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union Local #1. On June 19, 1954 he married Elaine Roehm and they had three children. They had 55 wonderful years together before she passed away in 2009.
He is survived by his children; Robert Barrett, wife Cindy, and Kimberly Laidlaw, husband James,three grandchildren; sister: Irene Patterson. He was preceded in death by his son, Eddy, sisters:Maxine Paque and Barbara Chatterton.
The family would like to thank the Robison Jewish Health Center for taking care of Jimmy during his last years. We will all miss Jimmy’s warm smile and love of life. Go Irish!
A mass of Christian Burial will be held, 11 a.m., Friday March 13, 2015 at the Madeline Catholic Parish. Military honors and committal to follow at Rose City Cemetery.