The third-generation owner of Oregon's oldest family owned jewelry store, James Otis Knudtson passed away June 7, 2011 after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Born November 27, 1926 to Anna Elizabeth Bryan Knudtson and Alvin Mozart Knudtson, Jim grew up in Roseburg attending Rose Grade School, and graduating from Roseburg High School in 1944. After serving in the US Navy, Jim attended Bradley University, becoming a Master Watchmaker in 1952. He was a very skilled craftsman both as a watchmaker and goldsmith during his long career. Knudtson's Jewelers was founded by Jim's grandfather J.T. Bryan in 1884 in Myrtle Creek, and later moved to Roseburg in 1886. Jim and Clare operated in partnership with Alan and Joan Knudtson until Alan's retirement in 2006. Jim married Frances P Hutchinson in 1946, and they welcomed daughter Jeanne Ann in December of 1952. On February 15, 1963 Jim married Clare Delorne Nichols, and they enjoyed 48 wonderful years together. Jim's passions in life were collecting and restoring antique music machines, and listening to polka music. He and Clare enjoyed many trips to Texas to attend Tejano Conjunto Music Festivals, even taking accordion lessons there to learn to play the button box. His travels seeking musical machines took him across the United States and Belgium. He was particularly proud of his Hupfeld Helios II-26 Orchestrion . Jim was a musician at heart playing piano by ear, the slide trombone, double base and the accordion. He played with Lou Franco and the Valley Boys. Our family wishes to express our thanks to his special caregivers, Shar Scharbrough, Lil Coke and Amedisys Hospice for their outstanding care and love during his care at home. Jim is survived by his wife Clare, daughter Jeanne (Thad)Figura of Tigard, grandchildren Kelsey, Ryan and Kyle Figura, brother Alan (Joan) Knudtson, nephew John (Nicole) Knudtson and their children Alex and Camille. He is also survived by several cousins, numerous friends and his faithful dog Tiffany. He was preceded in death by his mother and father. Donations in his name may be made to The Humane Society, American Cancer Society, or the charity of your choice. A Celebration of Life open house is planned for Saturday, June 25, 2011, from 2-5pm, at 222 Locust Street, Oakland, Oregon.