James Oliver Gundersen

James Oliver Gundersen was born on April 20, 1935, in Albany, Oregon to Oliver Gundersen and Doris Klindt. James grew up in Lebanon and would move to Astoria for a few years before moving to the Mill City/ Gates area in the 70’s.

He would marry Paula Joanne Nelson on January 6, 1962, in Salem, Oregon. The two met through friends and had their first date at Silver Falls in Silverton, Oregon.

James worked for the Oregon Department of Forestry as a Forester for much of his life before retiring in 1997. He also served in the United States Army as a Tracked Vehicle Mechanic. He was honorably discharged in 1957 at the rank of SP3.

In his spare time, James enjoyed hiking, fishing, woodworking, canoeing and spending time with family and grandchildren. He had a love for the woods and was an environmentalist while also supporting the timber industry. James was a member of the Santiam Canyon Community Chorus, Historical Society, and an Elder at First Christian Church in Mill City.

On January 8, 2023, James passed away in Mill City, Oregon. He was preceded in passing by his parents, Oliver, and Doris; younger sister Rosemary; and grandson, Joshua. He is survived by his loving wife, Paula; children, Kimberly and Walter, and daughter in-law Suzanne. Ken Bergstrom; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Tyler, Emily, Caitlin, Zachary, Joshua, Benjamin, and Samuel; and sister, Karen and niece Elise.

James was laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Gates, Oregon. A memorial service will be held at Mill City Christian Church on Saturday March 11, at 12:00 PM. Location is 400 SW Kingwood Ave in Mill City.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made out in James’s name to the Mill City Christian Church Building Fund and, or Santiam Canyon Community Chorus.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made out in James’s name to the Mill City Christian Church Building Fund and Santiam Canyon Community Chorus.