About JR

I grew up in Aberdeen. I purchased my first home in Hoquiam. I also lived in Cosmopolis, where I served on the Cosmopolis school board. My wife and I then built a home in the Bench Drive area. We now live in the county out the Wishkah.

My father operated the New China Café and my mom owned Nina’s Restaurant. So I know what it’s like to grow up in a family running small businesses and all the challenges that brings.

I wrestled in high school, and I’m an avid hunter and fisher now. My six kids grew up spending time on the rivers and in the woods with me, and some of my grandchildren are already doing the same.

Over the years, it has been my honor to serve on the Cosmopolis School Board, the County Human Services Advisory Board, Coastal Harvest Board, Region II Life Safety Committee, prison ministry, Board of Trustees Calvary Lutheran, and Church Council and Head Usher at Grays Harbor Foursquare Church, and in other roles.

In my career with Aberdeen Fire Department, I was privileged to earn the rank of Captain and also served as president of our local union. I have also worked in manufacturing (Oval Strapping, Hoquiam Plywood), for the Department of Transportation keeping our roads safe, and as a school bus driver bringing our children to school and back home safely.

My focus will be on bringing people together, getting rid of partisan divides, making sure there are no appearances of favoritism or conflicts of interest, creating teamwork, and helping make all of District 24 a desirable destination for work and play.

I prefer neither political party because I don’t think local government should be influenced by one party or another taking credit or control.

Elected Experience

Cosmopolis School Board
Aberdeen Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2639, President

Other Professional Experience

Retired Aberdeen Fire Department Captain
Oval Strapping
Hoquiam Plywood
Department of Transportation
School Bus Driver

Education

Aberdeen High School Graduate

Community Service

County Human Services Advisory Board
Coastal Harvest Board
Region II Life Safety Council
And in various ways through my church.