James Craig Means

October 3, 1952 - September 8, 2008

SALEM - James Craig Means "Big Jim" died on Monday, September 8, 2008. He was 55. Jimmy was born October 3, 1952 in San Diego, California to James W. and Carol Marie Means.

Jimmy lived in Salem for many years where he raised his three children, Nicole Scharer, Jimmy Means, Jr., and Hollie Means. He recently moved back to Salem to be with his children after spending the past 10 years in the Hawaiian Islands.

In addition to his children, he is survived by his sisters, Carolyn Thiebes, Kathleen Wulfers, and Maryann Taylor all of Salem; his brother, Danny Means of Livermore, California; father, James Means of Texarkana, Arkansas. His mother, Carol preceded him in death. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and friends who dearly loved him.

Jimmy was a Vietnam veteran and was in the 101st Airborne. He always felt blessed to have come home from Vietnam and because of that he lived life to the fullest. He spent most of his life working as a flooring contractor. Jimmy enjoyed the beach, fishing, music and concerts. He loved playing his drums, his fingers were always tapping to the beat of any music. He loved to travel, everything that was sweet, writing notes to his family and friends and just having fun! Even as a young man, Jimmy was very adventurous and was always the life of the party. He loved to take things apart to see how they worked. His family will greatly miss his sense of humor and his sparkling blue eyes.

A memorial service with full military honors will be held at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon, USA

PLOT Section COL-4 ROW 139 Site C

Obituary taken from StatesmanJournal.com, Oregon's Mid-Willamette Valley StatesmanJournal Article

in Hawaii his children, Nicole Scharer, Jimmy Means, Jr., and Hollie Means