Tom Stubblefield, a North Portland native and longtime community leader, peacefully passed away April 24 at his home in Cathedral Park. Tom was born Jan. 30, 1947 at Emanuel Hospital and raised in the St. Johns neighborhood where he attended James John Elementary School and graduated from Roosevelt High School n 1965.
Tom got his first job at age 12 counting beverage bottles at the former Bales Thriftway in St. Johns. That launched a lifelong career in the local grocery industry. He would eventually manage the same Thriftway store and later own two grocery stories in the area.
He was a familiar figure in many North Portland civic groups and former president of the Peninsula Optimist Club and St. Johns Boosters. He is survived by his wife Chris; daughter, Karen; son, Andrew; granddaughter Layla. Family will announce in coming weeks the date of a memorial sometime in June at St. Johns Community Church.
“He was born and died in St. Johns and his heart bled for the neighborhood. He would still be picking up trash on Lombard or in the parks if his body had let him.” ~ Karen and Chris Stubblefield
