Funeral, Funeral Home, Cremation, Obituaries

James Coppola (1929 – 2011)

August 26, 1929 – December 26, 2011

SALEM – Jim Coppola passed away, with his wife by his side, on December 26, 2011. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in September of 2011.

Jim was born in Queens, NY, the son of Vincent and Helen (Scholpp) Coppola. His youth was spent in Queens. After graduating from high school, Jim joined the U.S. Marine Corps. From 1947 to 1950 he proudly served as a Sergeant in communications. After an honorable discharge in 1950, Jim was called back to service later that year as a Staff Sergeant specializing in communication installations. Following a second honorable discharge in December of 1951, he continued to serve in the Marine Corps Reserve.

Jim began his career with New York Telephone Company (NY Tel) in Manhattan in 1952. He worked his way up from splicer’s helper to service foreman. In 1978, Jim transferred to Salem as a force supervisor with Pacific NW Bell. With divestiture of the telephone companies in the early 1980’s, Jim’s supervisory position became part of AT&T Information Systems until his retirement in 1984.

In his free time, Jim crafted beautiful wooden masterpieces such as decks and fences. He loved building projects of all kinds, even adding entire rooms to a home. Repairing items instead of replacing them was a challenge that brought Jim much satisfaction. He could truly fix anything. Jim enjoyed solving puzzles of all kinds and was a worthy opponent in backgammon, chess, cribbage, and hold’em poker. Jim was always up for any new adventure and loved travel with the opportunity for lots of photos.

Jim married his first wife, Jane A., in 1954 and later divorced. She predeceased him earlier this year. Jim is survived by his second wife, Jane N.; sons, Thomas (Debbie), Loren, and James Coppola; two children by marriage, David (Gemma) Taylor and Terri (Tom) Tucker. Five dearly loved grandchildren were also acquired by marriage: Phillip and Kyle Salstrom; David Bianco; and Alisa and Joanna Rodgers-Taylor. Jim will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, Jim would want contributions made to the American Lung Association, Odyssey Hospice, or any other charity of choice. A special thanks to Dr. Charles Petrunin of Hematology Oncology of Salem and to Odyssey Hospice for the support, compassion, and wonderful care they gave Jim.

A family memorial service will be held at a later date.

EARL  L.  BASSETT

March 11, 1919 – December 19, 2011

STAYTON – Earl L. Bassett, died Monday, December 19, seven months to the day after the passing of his beloved wife Rose Marie.  Earl was born March 11, 1919 in Salem to Fred N. and Bessie E. Bassett and was a graduate of Mill City High School.

Earl served as a PFC in the US Army during World War II, and was stationed at Camp White near Medford for most of his tour of duty.  That is where he met and married Rose Marie on April 8, 1944.  After the war, he and Rose Marie settled in Mill City where they raised their four children: Mary Ann (Walter) Kosiewicz, Salem, Linda (Richard) Dotter, Stayton, Fred Bassett, Beaver, and Bill (Noreen) Bassett, Mill City. 

Earl drove log truck until 1965, when the Bassett family moved to Stayton.  He owned and operated Earl’s Chevron Service for many years.  After retirement, Earl and Rose Marie visited every corner of the U.S. in their camper.  Always a fisherman, he enjoyed trips to lakes throughout Oregon and always came back with a cooler full of fresh trout.

Earl is survived by his four children, 18 grandchildren; and 22 great grandchildren, with his 23^rd due summer 2012.  He is also survived by his sister, Betty Shaw of Stayton.

Earl was about family – trips, picnics, gatherings for holidays, or simply gathering around the family room for games.  He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his endless love for Rose Marie and his family, his craftsmanship, his common sense, and his ability to scare his children and grandchildren by sticking out his false teeth.

Recitation of the Rosary will be at 7:00 pm. Tuesday, Dec. 27^th at Weddle Funeral Chapel, 1777 N. Third Ave, Stayton.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 am, Wednesday, Dec. 28^th at Immaculate Conception Church, 1077 N. Sixth Ave. Stayton, Graveside service and reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.