Jonathan James Deskin

Jonathan James Deskin, Jon, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, April 13th, 2019.  He was 70-years-old.  Jon was born in Oakland, CA, but lived most of his life in Gladstone and West Linn, Oregon.​ 

He grew up in California and had fond memories of living with his grandma during his adolescence.  In 1964, as a junior in high school, he moved to Gladstone, OR, and attended West Linn High School where he met Sylvia, his high school sweetheart and wife of 50 years.

 ​In June of 1968 he joined the Navy and was assigned to the U.S.S. Midway, an aircraft carrier, as a Navigator. Jon was a Vietnam veteran. He loved airplanes and flying, and reliably tracked his family on their flights around the country.​

 Professionally, Jon was a respected Real Estate Appraiser and Broker.  He started his Real Estate career at American Savings & Loan in 1972.  Later, he worked for the Clackamas County Assessor's office and the Portland Development Commission as their Chief of Real Estate.  Most recently, Jon had accepted the "Leading Edge" award, a recognition for ranking in the top 8% of brokers at Berkshire Hathaway.

​Privately, Jon loved his family deeply and protected them fiercely.  Sylvia and his two daughters, Michelle and Sheree, were the center of his life.  His strong work ethic provided a college education for both of his children and a secure lifestyle for his family.  He worked his entire life for everyone else.  Unselfish and confident, he preached to his offspring that;  "No one can take an education away from you," and "You can be whatever you want to be", encouraging them to chase their dreams.   ​

As time progressed, Jon's family grew and he welcomed two sons-in-law and excitingly cherished the arrival of each of his four grandchildren.

 ​He was an involved grandfather that offered support and advice with well-timed texts or phone calls that ended with;  "Luv u, Gpa."   He was his grandchildren's number one fan, and could always be seen in the stands, sporting their name or jersey number.​

 Jon enjoyed fishing, traveling, golfing, barbecuing, watching fast pitch softball, and spoiling his cats. When near his local animal shelter, he would often hand them a $20 donation.  Family vacations were his favorite, especially those to Sunriver and Mexico.​

 We will miss him tremendously, and will feel his absence on a daily basis, but know his quick wit and good humor is filling the great beyond along with all his best buddies and family that beat him to the pearly gates.

​He is survived by his wife, Sylvia; their two daughters, Michelle Oleson and her husband, Steve; Sheree James and her husband, Terry; and four grandchildren, Kelsey, Kory, Malakai and Maliyah.  Sisters, Allison Millard and Ramona Greenstein.​

He was preceded in death by his father, Jonathan J. Deskin Sr., his mother, Virgina Faye Rayborn, and his father-in-law Edward J. Wieme.​ 

There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, May 4th, 2019 from 12 noon - 5pm at the home of Sylvia Deskin.
Please contact Michelle Oleson for address at michelleoleson@msn.com or call 503-849-4631.

In lieu of flowers, a donation is suggested to PAWS Animal Shelter at 1741 Willamette Falls Dr., West Linn, OR  97068.​

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