Leonard James "Jim" Nieuwstraten

Leonard James “Jim” Nieuwstraten, at the age of 89, went to be with his Lord Jesus on August 31, 2026. He was born December 16, 1936, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and lived a life shaped by resilience, service, curiosity, and deep devotion to family, faith and community. He was the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Hilkhuisen) Nieuwstraten, and his early years in the Netherlands formed the foundation of a character marked by determination and quiet strength.

As a young man aged 19, Jim immigrated with his family to the United States, first settling in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because of his deep appreciation of the U.S. Military for liberating Holland, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1958 to 1961. His military service was a source of pride and shaped his lifelong appreciation for discipline, responsibility, and service to others.

After returning home, Jim married Jean on June 21, 1962, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, beginning a marriage that would span 64 years and anchor a growing family. For their honeymoon, they road tripped it and relocated to Bellflower California eventually starting a fire alarm business putting his electrical degree to work.

The family eventually made their way to Coquille, Oregon, where Jim and Jean owned a Coast to Coast hardware store. After a few years they moved to Scio, Oregon and became the owners of Scio True Value Hardware operating the store for 24 years. He also started the Scio Community News, embracing the role of a local storyteller and community voice.

Jim was deeply committed to civic and faith-based service. He was a Board Member and Chairman of the Board for Scio Mutual Telephone Company for 38 years, served as an elder at Immanuel Reformed Church in Salem, Oregon, was a foster parent to over 100 children and participated in Kiwanis and Rotary Club activities. His involvement reflected his belief in giving back, building community, and living out his values with consistency and humility.

In his free time, Jim embraced the outdoors, he loved fishing, camping, playing cards with family and friends, and sightseeing across America, taking in as much of the country as he could.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth, and his siblings Jack Nieuwstraten, Conny Zylstra, and Betty Elzinga. He is survived by his beloved wife Jean, his brother‑in‑law Henk Elzinga and his children: Jim and Lorna Nieuwstraten, Joanne and Brian Clock, Dave and Bonnie Nieuwstraten, Alice Nieuwstraten, and Jessica and Josh Clark. His grandchildren Shashu, Ellison, Abbie & Reece Hupfer, Jacob, James, Ben, Grace, Biz, Isaac, Nati, Eliana, Moriah, and his great‑granddaughter Skylar, each of whom carries forward a part of his legacy.

A memorial service for Jim will take place at 3:00 PM at Immanuel Reformed Church in Salem, Oregon, on Monday, September 7th, where family and friends will gather to honor a life lived with faith, purpose, generosity, and steadfast love.