Obituary: Jim Kosglow, Hood River

Jim Kosglow

Jim Kosglow died peacefully on the 5th of July in Hood River, OR.  His family grieves his loss but is grateful he is at peace after enduring Alzheimer's Disease and a recent cancer diagnosis.

He was born in Claridge, Pennsylvania to Rudy and Jenny Kosglow in 1938.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bill, and first daughter, Lisa Doll.  

57 years ago, Jim married Janice Doll.  He is survived by Jan and his three daughters, sons-in-inlaw and grandchildren; Mia and Jeff Trujillo (Gabby and Sofia), Lisa Kosglow and Jeff Greenwood (Emilia), and Kristin Kosglow and Dave Haglund (Ronin and Rhys). While Boise, Idaho was home base for 35 years, they also lived in Colorado, Oregon, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and New York.  After the family moved west, he enjoyed skiing, hiking, camping and walking along the Boise River.   

He was an outstanding student and although his father died just before high school graduation, Jim completed college on a full scholarship.  He continued with a law degree and MBA- all on full academic scholarship. Jim believed career opportunities resulted from how he leveraged his education into international business. His extensive travels enabled him to visit over 100 countries.   

He and Jan opened their home to a foster child, an exchange student, German cousins, traveling artists, and friends needing a place to stay for a few months or years, and they always had room for teammates of their girls. They were confirmed Unitarian Universalists and raised their family with values they embraced as UU’s.  As they moved to different cities and looked to build their community, the first call they made was to the local congregation. 

Classical music was the soundtrack of Jim’s life and music was always playing in the home.  He was an accomplished clarinetist in his youth.  As an adult, he became more knowledgeable in classical music by taking classes in retirement.  He was a board member of the Boise Chamber Music Society, hosted artists from the Idaho Shakespeare Festival and loved visits to the Aspen Summer Music Festival. 

Jim saved his greatest affection for his family. He will be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather and husband. He easily welcomed others into his home and around the dinner table. His endless lines of questioning will be missed by all who survived a dinnertime interrogation. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.