James Mustola

JAMES EARL MUSTOLA

 11/5/36 - 8/8/25

Jim was born in Clatskanie Oregon to Waltmor and Evelyn Mustola. He was raised by his maternal grandparents on a "stump ranch" because his mother died when he was only one years old.

Jim learned farming, carpentry, machine repair and hard work ethic from his grandfather Earl Watson.

Jim graduated from Rainier High School in 1954, attended OSU for one semester, worked in a sawmill, ran a gasoline station, and worked at Goodyear in Longview Washington.

He moved to Eugene in the late '60's to bartend at the original Luckey's on Willamette Street and to restore the "African Queen" boat. 

 Jim moved to Sunriver where he built and ran the bicycle pavilion.

Jim moved back to Eugene in 1981, where he wooed and won the heart of Ma'Carry Cairo with his wonderful dancing ability.

He worked at Goodyear in Eugene as a mechanic then in Springfield as the store manager before retiring in 1991.

Jim joined the Springfield Elks and eventually became the Exalted Ruler in 1995.

Jim was a fun, good affectionate man always ready with a joke, a funny slight of hand, or a story to evoke giggles from children. He was kind and generous with his extraordinary woodworking skills. Jim could create anything in his wood shop and often gave away what he created to others.

He struggled for several years as he lost the ability to drive, to work in his shop, and even to walk because of his dementia. Jim died at home with the help of Cascade Hospice, BrightStar Caregivers, and his family.

I hope you got to meet Jim Mustola before he left us because I am sure he made you laugh and feel better about your life. That was another gift he shared with us. Jim is survived by his wife Ma'Carry Cairo of Eugene Oregon, his sister Shirley Cole of Yerington Nevada, his daughter Julie Matthews of Bellingham Washington, his son Jerry Stinger of Longview Washington, His daughter Ginny Cairo of Glide Oregon, and his daughter Kelly McKinney of Fleetwood North Carolina. He leaves seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

No need to feel sorrow when someone we love is finally released from the struggles of life. His death was pain free and peaceful.