James F. Cathcart

Jim moved on to a better fishing spot on May 20, 2022. He’s out there now, catching fish and enjoying the outdoors.

Born in Oakland, California to parents Bill and Jackie Cathcart, sister Anne, brother Rod, and later, brother Andrew. Jim’s love of the outdoors grew from family trips to Yosemite National Park, fishing with his grandfather, father, and tutoring in fishing techniques by his neighbor Mr. Tracy. Fishing became a major lifelong passion.

He attended De Anza Community College, Humboldt State University, University of Idaho, and Virginia Tech. During his Humboldt years, he managed to secure an internship with the Forest Service and was placed at the Green Mountain National Forest in Manchester, Vermont. He traveled to the University of Maine during his internship where he continued his forestry degree and was schooled in ice fishing. It was in Vermont that he met Karen Burnett. Jim and Karen continued their relationship through his travels and married in 1982.

Their first year of marriage included moves to California, Washington and finally to Idaho where Jim began his masters. The next stop was Virginia Tech, for his doctorate. Daughter Erin was born in Virginia while “Doctor Dad” was finishing up his doctorate. Then they were on to Portland, Oregon for a job with the Pacific Northwest Research Station, just in time for their son Peter’s birth, followed a few years later by Tim.

Jim held many positions in Portland and Salem including: PNW Research Station, Bureau of Indian Affairs, The Campbell Group, Oregon Department of Forestry, West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District.

His love of the outdoors and fishing took him and his family out on many adventures, sharing that love with his children. He was active through the years as a member of the Society of American Foresters, Boy Scouts, Friends of Trees, the NW Steelheaders Sandy Chapter, and loved his Salmonberry Surveys. He loved his family, his fishing and his work, sometimes varying the order. We will miss the epic backpack trips, fishing trips and his sense of humor.

Please join his family, Karen, Erin (Trevor), Peter (Holly) and Tim in a memorial celebration at the Grant Park Church, 2728 NE 34 Ave. Portland OR, at 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 25, 2022. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/10761610

Arrangements by Ross Hollywood Chapel.