Passed Away August 18, 2019
James E. Gruetzke
Jim was born in Portland, Oregon to Winnifred and Harry A. Gruetzke on December 21, 1943. He is survived by his wife, Donna Gruetzke, his sister Janis Gruetzke, his son Aron Gruetzke, and nine grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, Kenneth Gruetzke.
Jim graduated from Vestal Grade School, Madison High School, and the University of Portland. He spent 2 
years in the Navy Seabees stationed in Alaska and Japan. He married his high school sweetheart Valerie Barnes and had one son, Aron. They divorced 21 years later. In 1993 he met and married Donna McCarthy.
Over his lifetime he had several careers but retired as Operations Commander from the Gresham Police Department in 1989. He commanded and trained the S.W.A.T. team there and attended the F.B.I. Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He then went into Telecommunications as a self-employed long-distance network designer, owned and operated an Internet company, and ran a Telecommunications consulting business. During his law enforcement career, he also owned a business making and selling ivory and rosewood pistol grips for unique hand guns.
Since his retirement, Jim and Donna have travelled extensively, bought a second home in Chandler, Arizona and spent many joyful hours with friends there.
Jim loved cars and had several. He and his friend, Al, built a custom 1939 Chevrolet Coupe hot rod. He belonged to the VIP Car Club and traveled with them to many car shows picking up many trophies for his classic car.
Jim was a people person and loved regaling his friends with stories from his past escapades and varied careers. He was loved by his family and friends and his smiling face and quick wit will be sorely missed.
Services:
October 4, 2019 10:00 a.m.
Willamette National Cemetery
11800 SE Mt Scott Blvd.
Happy Valley, Oregon 97086
Celebration of Life 11:30 a.m.
Fairway Village Clubhouse
15509 SE Fernwood Drive
Vancouver, WA 98683