Jim Houston

James (Jimmy) Ryan Houston had a simple goal in life: to make others happy. Whether it was giving the shirt off his back or offering a meal, Jim’s focus was always on making those around him feel cared for. His boundless enthusiasm for life and his love for the outdoors will always be remembered by those who knew him.

Born on July 26, 1982, to Tonda and Robert Houston, Jim grew up alongside his brothers, Rob and Dan. Despite being a few years younger, he never let that stop him from keeping up with them. The three of them spent countless hours wrestling, playing sports, and engaging in the good-natured squabbles that come with brotherhood, all of which strengthened the bond between them.

Jim attended Bloomingdale and Paw Paw Schools, graduating in 2000. Known for his playful spirit, he was always willing to go the extra mile for a laugh. While he may have been behind many pranks, his infectious personality meant he was never the one to take the fall for any trouble.

A few years after high school, Jim’s brother Rob encouraged him to move out to Oregon to help open a restaurant. Having worked at the Bistro in Paw Paw during his high school years, Jim had developed a natural talent in the kitchen. Together, they opened El Burro Loco in Welches, Oregon, situated at the foot of Mt. Hood. It was a perfect fit for Jim, who was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing, hiking, skiing (both water and snow), and taking in the beauty of the area. His love for the outdoors was inherited from both his grandfathers, who were passionate fishermen, and his family’s countless summer camping trips in the Pigeon River State Forest.

The restaurant quickly became a local favorite, thanks to Jim’s culinary skills and his dedication to serving others. The brothers made it a point to create a community bond that would carry the restaurant through the ups and downs that would follow. They were well known and respected throughout the mountain community.

Jim was a true people person, always putting the needs of others before his own. Whether it was a small act of kindness or giving away something he had to help someone, Jim’s generosity knew no bounds. Though he is no longer with us, his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jim passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025. He is survived by his mother, Tonda Houston; his father, Robert (Starr) Houston; his brothers, Robert Jr. (Sara) and Dan (Cari); his stepsiblings, Blaine, Poppy, Jolynne, and Amber; as well as numerous nieces and nephews: Tyler, Samantha, Morchella, Bryce, Anna, Emily, Lucas, Derrick, Millie, Landon, Jackson, Joshua, and Christopher.

To honor Jim’s life, we invite you to share your memories, stories, and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Services are entrusted to Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Home, 60900 M-40 Hwy, Paw Paw, (269) 657-3870.