James Leo Pullen

James (Jim) Leo Pullen passed away peacefully at his cherished home on June 18, 2025, at the age of 88 — the same home where he spent more than 50 years creating a lifetime of memories, celebrations, and love.

Jim was born on November 6, 1936, to George and Delma Pullen, the youngest of three children. He grew up with a deep appreciation for family and community, values that would guide his life.

He graduated from Gresham Union High School in 1954 and went on to attend Oregon State University, graduating with a degree in Pharmacy in 1961. He worked at several Rexall pharmacies before purchasing Southgate Rexall with his business partner. Eventually becoming the sole owner, Jim served his community as a dedicated pharmacist for many years. Known for his compassion and generosity, Jim often welcomed customers into his home for holiday meals — turning acquaintances into lifelong friends.

A true lover of the outdoors, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, water and snow skiing, and especially golf — often playing countless holes during his annual "boys" golf outings. He also played softball and was an active member of the Milwaukie Elks, where he ran the “Rat Ball” basketball league program for many years. Jim was an avid sports fan favoring the Portland Trailblazers and all OSU sports programs.

Those who knew Jim will remember his love of entertaining. His home was always open, and he delighted in hosting gatherings by the pool, where he could often be found “bartending” with a Jim Beam in hand, making sure everyone was having a good time.

Jim had a special place in his heart for animals — especially his many beloved cats, (Tuffy, Ms. Kitty, Junior, Cali and Sammy) and dogs, (Kelly, Doc, Barney, Smokey, Chris and Pogo). His furry companions were often just as cherished (if not more) than his human ones.

Jim was married three times over his lifetime. He married Audrey Gwen Hughes in 1955, and together they had three children: Colleen, Leslie, and Heather. After their divorce, he married Patricia Wagner Roberts in 1971, and together they raised a blended family of seven children: Jim, Jeff, Joe, and Dawn, along with his three daughters. He married Ginger Gage Spencer in 2004. Together they shared many adventures including trips to the East Coast, Hawaii, Canada and wintering in Sun City, Arizona.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, George and Delma Pullen; brother, George Pullen; sister, Beulah Parker; and son, Joe Roberts.

He is survived by his wife, Ginger Pullen and her two children, Staci Gloyn and Jered Spencer along with their families; his children, Jim Roberts, Colleen Rockwell, Jeff Roberts, Leslie Pullen Romanio, Heather Lacy, Dawn Roberts; and their spouses and partners, Irene Roberts, Nick Romanio, Shane Lacy, Penny Roberts. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Nicole Peterson, Katie Winter, Jake Rockwell, Dalton Roberts, and Cole Roberts; and great-grandchildren, Emma Winter and Amari Roberts.

Jim leaves a legacy of kindness, warmth, and community spirit. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, at the Milwaukie-Portland Elks Lodge #142.

For those who wish to honor Jim’s memory, contributions may be made to the Milwaukie-Portland Elks Lodge #142 for the Jim Pullen Basketball Court Memorial fund.