James Chris Maletis

James Chris Maletis "Jim" passed away peacefully Thursday, January 10, 2019. A true Oregon native, Jim was born in Portland, October 11, 1927, and for 91 years proudly called Oregon his home.

Jim's gusto for life shined through and his achievements continued to grow. While attending Central Catholic High School he played varsity football and was a member of their State Championship Ski Team. A sign of the times, Jim served in the U.S. Army in 1945 and was stationed at Fort Lewis. He always set his sights high and his admittance and graduation from the University of Notre Dame were just the beginning. He then went on to fulfill his aspiration of becoming a lawyer with a law degree from Willamette University, where he graduated top in his class.

On a beautiful summer day in Gearhart, Oregon, he met the love of his life, Joann Morrison. On July 21, 1956 they were married at St. Thomas More Church and lived happily ever after for 62 years.

Professionally, Jim was a respected attorney in Portland. He began his career with Cookingham and Hanley Law Firm. Later he started his own private practice where he specialized in Business, Corporate and Estate Law providing decades of expert legal representation for many Oregonians during his distinguished career.

Privately, family was everything to Jim. Joann and his three loving daughters were the center of his life. They spent many happy years together in their S.W. Portland home which Jim and Joann personally designed and helped build. With The Racquet Club at their doorstep and neighbors who became lifelong friends, this was the perfect place to call home.

As time progressed, Jim's pride and happiness grew as the family grew. He welcomed three wonderful sons-in-law with open arms and he cherished the arrival of each precious grandchild. Upon becoming a grandfather, Jim took on the Greek name 'Papoo' for his nine grandchildren. Forever grateful, Jim often let everyone know how lucky and blessed he was to have such a wonderful family.

Jim enjoyed a very active lifestyle. Tennis, skiing and fishing were all passions of his. As a family they enjoyed outdoor sports of all kinds including skiing in the winter and fishing in the summer. He looked forward to family vacations every year. Summer vacations at Paulina Lake or the Oregon Coast and winter ski trips to spots including Sun Valley and Mt. Bachelor were favorites of Jim's. Jim later discovered golf at the age of 60, and enjoyed spending time together with his growing family at their home in Rancho Mirage, California.

Jim was also defined by his strong spirituality and philanthropic nature. Giving back was an important theme in Jim's life. He always said, "I can't imagine not being able to eat." Jim supported numerous charities and organizations and later in life found great joy in visiting underprivileged schools where he read books to young students in their classrooms.

A strong yet humble man, his spirit is proudly carried on by his wife, Joann; their three daughters, Laurie Ware (Dan), Linda Poggi (Brian) and Karen Graves (Gerald); and nine grandchildren, Shannon, Kristin, Colleen, Sean, Nicholas, Jimmy, Patrick, Griffin and Callista; and great-granddaughter, Allana.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Chris Maletis Sr.; his mother, Alta (Barstow); his brother, Chris Maletis Jr.; sister, Sophia (Platt); and infant brother, Edward Maletis.

We will miss him, but know he is radiating his usual quick wit and good humor with all of his best buddies and family that beat him to the pearly gates.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 26, 2019, at Saint Agatha Catholic Church, 1430 S.E. Nehalem St., Portland, OR.

In lieu of flowers, a donation is suggested to the Oregon Food Bank at 7900 N.E. 33rd Drive, Portland, 97211 (give.oregonfoodbank.org).

 

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