James H. Saxton

James H. Saxton I, Jim Saxton was born March 2, 1950 to Betty Jean Hoggan and Mark Duane Saxton in Rupert, Idaho. The first 7 years were a whirlwind for our family because of my dad’s work. My parents and our family traveled to, and lived in Idaho, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas and finally settled in Butte, Montana where I enjoyed a great life! I loved the people and the town because of the unique life style. My older brother Mike and I became partners in crime. We were very close growing up together. I participated in football, baseball and developed many life friendships that have continued all of my life. I went to college at Eastern Montana and graduated in Education in 1972. My first teaching job was in Deer Lodge, Montana where I taught for 4 years. Deer Lodge is a very cool little town. In 1974, I was in a dice game at Maloney’s Bar and there was a girl there who won all my money. I told her since you won all my money, maybe you want to go on a date? She wasn’t that impressed. She thought I was grumpy. We ended up getting married in 1976 and immediately moved to Sandy, Oregon where I taught English and coached football and wrestling at Sandy High School. We had two children, Brian and Beth. They were the best kids ever! As a family, we skied and windsurfed and fished together. It was great fun! I was at Sandy High School for 32 wonderful years. I taught English for many years and then worked my way to Vice Principal and then to Sandy High School Principal in 2002. I retired in 2007. In 2010, my wife Debra passed away from cancer. I spent 3 years as a single man trying to find my way and acting as if I was 25. I finally grew up, dated, and fell in love with, and married Lori who had been my friend and coworker at Sandy High School. We married in April of 2014 and moved to Oregon City to start our life together. We worked to blend our families, our kids and our grandkids who we loved to spend time with. Lori and I have had a great life together, traveling extensively and meeting new friends. We bought a home in Mission Lakes Country Club and became snowbirds to the Palm Springs area in the cold, wet, dreary Oregon months. We played lots of golf and met another new set of wonderful friends. I loved this part of my life! Two Highlights of my life were; 1. Playing on a State Championship Football team 2. I was selected as Oregon High School Principal of the Year I’ve been a teacher most of my life. My advice to you is this; “Do What is Best for Kids” I’ve lived by this motto for years. Now, I am Headed for My Next Grand Adventure!

James H. Saxton

March 2, 1950 - October 29, 2025