James "Jim" Lushina

James "Jim" Lushina, 86, a resident of the Hillsboro community passed away on January 9, 2024 at his home.
Jim was born on May 20, 1937 in LaSalle, Illinois.  He was the fifth of six children born to Ludwig and Anna (Juvancic) Lushina. He was raised in LaSalle, was very active in St. Roch's church, played the French horn throughout high school, and earned the distinction of Eagle Scout, of which he took great pride. After graduating in 1955, he enlisted in the Army where he served in Germany for 3 years, becoming a tool and die maker.  After returning from duty, he married Pearl Ann Maggio, with whom he had his first date on Valentine's day while they were both in high school. They married on November 8, 1958 and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2023. They made their first home in Lasalle, and had their four children, Sally, Jim, Jay and Amy.
Jim's career and educational opportunities required relocating to several cities and states and the family finally settled in Hillsboro in 1970. Jim's career began at Caterpillar, but then he became integral to Trus Joist, Tektronix, Tuarean Enterprise, Lushina Machine, and he retired from Sulzer Pumps in 2004. His knowledge of tool and die making, manufacturing and engineering, and management ethics sent him all over the country and Europe for speaking engagements. He earned his MBA from University of Portland in 1984. He was civically engaged as a member of the Hillsboro Planning Commission and a Hillsboro City Councilor.  He was most proud of the work he did to implement the 911 infrastructure for Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency.
Jim and Pearl enjoyed their retirement by traveling in their motorhome. They were members of the Elks Camper Club enjoying many trips all over Oregon and Washington.  They took many cross-country trips to visit family and friends and also were members of an RV resort appropriately named Bourbon Acres in Vernonia, Oregon.
In his personal life, Jim enjoyed woodworking and construction, completing the lower level of the family home himself along with his children. He enjoyed his workshop in his home, and made several heirloom furniture pieces for the family. Of special note is a wooden cradle that has been used by and passed on to each of his 9 grandchildren and now great-grandchildren. He was an active member of St. Mathews church, and sang in the choir at Christmas. He was an athlete his entire life, as a runner, cyclist, and skier. He bragged to us all that he was still doing 100 pushups well into his 80's.
He is survived by his loving wife Pearl, their four children and their spouses, Sally and Martin Lustig of Denham Springs, LA, Jim and Debbie (Hiscoe) Lushina of Cloverdale, OR, Jay Lushina of Hillsboro, and Amy Haberman also of Hillsboro. And his siblings, Dorothy (Lushina) and Glenn Stevenson of Utica IL, and William Lushina of LaSalle, IL, his sister-in-law Carol Lushina, and many nieces and nephews. His grandchildren Stephanie, Joseph, Nicholas, Jenny, Sarah, William, Emily, Chase, and Devrie (who shares his birthday) and his eight great-grandchildren Audrey, Graham, Isabella, Wesley, Rosalyn, Eddie, Tate and Gabriella.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Ann Marie Wangler, Mary Jane DaRif, and Ludwig Lushina.
He will be remembered lovingly and missed by everyone who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Parkinson's Foundation or Care Partners Hospice and Palliative.