James Eldon Schmotzer
born: July 23, 1932
Portland born and east side raised
by teen years he had distanced from his parents,
maybe his choice, maybe theirs, probably both
followed his brothers dropping out
and joining the military to “see the world,”
got stuck in Guam
returned home and reconnected with Barbara
she broke her engagement, to another,
and agreed to marry in ’53
after an argument (fight?) at the reception
with Estelle, his mother, he spent the night alone, drinking
Barbara spent hers alone and crying
first son born in ’54 and second in ’57
settled in the suburbs
changed jobs…frequently
eventually into management, relative stability
known for being honest and hardworking, at work
unpredictable, at times irresponsible, at home
climbed the ladder, leaving Barbara behind, far behind
the inevitable second marriage,
to Barbara’s one time best friend
quit smoking and drinking
became attentive to kids and grandkids
heart attack in ‘96 ushered in a pain filled year
with cancer having the final word
died: August 1, 1997
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