Obituary: James Reed Jr.

The new family moved to Eugene and then Corvallis, Oregon, where Jim graduated from the Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture and political science. By 1974, the pair had divorced and Jim moved back to the Gorge, sharing equal time with Emily through the years.

Jim loved the land and spent his early adult years in the woods as a logger using sustainable forestry practices. In 1992, he bought a dry land cherry orchard in Mosier, Oregon, which he turned organic, waiting a year for the laws to change in Wasco County to allow it. There he farmed for more than 30 years as Columbia Blossom Orchards, adding peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, and both table and wine grapes. He was known for the flavor of his fruit, grown for quality over quantity with less water, aggressive pruning, monitoring of sugar levels, and harvesting only when ripe.

Jim was a life-long self-learner, teaching himself to build, weld, code, repair, and grow. At just 21, he built a summer cabin in the shape of an octagon. Over the years he bought houses in dire need of repair, transforming them over time until they were unrecognizable — always starting with Emily’s room first. He read widely and was a true independent, listening to both far right and far left programs on the radio to gain a full perspective. His research on nutrition led him to being a vegan for many years.

Jim was reserved but enjoyed talking with anyone over a cup of coffee. He served on Mosier Watershed Council and washed dishes for the Mosier Grange Salmon Feed each year on the 4pm shift.

Throughout his life, Jim cherished traveling including trips to South America, New Zealand, and Australia. He enjoyed fly fishing, playing acoustic guitar, and cut-throat games of cards with his family. You could find him at every performance and game for both Emily and later his grandson, Gus. And he had several kind and well-trained dogs over the years.

Jim is survived by daughter Emily Reed, former son-in-law Charles Young, grandson Gus Reed, extended Ketchum family, and many friends. A celebration of Jim’s life will take place on March 28 at the Mosier Grange at 11 a.m., followed by lunch and a walk in the orchard.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, Oregon. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com.

Columbia Gorge News, Feb. 4, 2026