Joint Statement on the Passing of Jim Dudley

The members of the Douglas Timber Operators (DTO), the American Forest Resource Council (AFRC), and the Oregon Forest Industries Council (OFIC) mourn the tragic passing of our dear friend and colleague, Jim Dudley. We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to his devoted wife, Michelle, and their sons, Cody and Jackson.

Jim was a pillar of leadership across our organizations, serving on the boards of directors of DTO, AFRC, and OFIC. His commitment extended far beyond these roles, as he generously gave his time and expertise to numerous industry and community initiatives, including:

• President, DTO Board of Directors (2019-2021)
  • Board Member (2004-Present)
• AFRC Secretary/Treasurer (2011-2013), O&C Policy Committee Chair since 2017
  • Board Member (2009-2021)
• OFIC Board Chair (2022-2024)
  • Board Member (2013-Present)
• Chair, Board of Directors, Umpqua Fishery Enhancement Derby (2022-Present)
• President, Oregon Logging Conference (2018-2019)
• Chair, Board of Directors, Mountain Western Log Scaling & Grading Bureau (2023-Present)
  • Board Member (2005-Present)

A lifelong advocate for the forest products industry, Jim was deeply rooted in rural timber communities. Born and raised in Northern California, he grew up immersed in logging. His grandfather and parents worked in the industry, and he received his first chainsaw in eighth grade, using it to earn money throughout high school.

He attended schools proud of their timber heritage, from a high school with the Timberjacks mascot to a college with the Lumberjacks. He worked in sawmills and in the woods during the mid-1980s to fund his college education, graduating debt-free thanks to the opportunities provided by the timber industry.

He began his professional career at Louisiana-Pacific, where he met his wife, Michelle. From there, Jim built an accomplished career in forest management, logging, and mill operations. As Vice President of Timber Resources for the Swanson Group, he oversaw timber sourcing and resources, passionately advocating for sustainable, active forest management that supported both healthy forests and strong rural economies.

There was no more authentic or passionate voice for our industry than Jim Dudley. He spoke from the heart, never mincing words, and always with unwavering conviction. As a dedicated family man raising twin sons, Cody and Jackson, on earnings from the timber industry, Jim often said: "I feel like I owe everything I have in this world to the timber industry."

He remained a tireless champion for unity, education, and outreach-especially to the next generation - and for smarter forest policies that ensure both our rural communities and the surrounding forests can thrive. In his own words: "Our rural communities and the forests that surround them are worth saving."

Jim was more than a colleague. He was a devoted and loyal friend to many of us. His legacy will endure in the policies he shaped, the people he mentored, and the industry he loved so fiercely. We are profoundly grateful for his service, leadership, and friendship. May his memory inspire us to continue fighting for the values he held dear.

With deepest respect and sorrow,

Douglas Timber Operators
American Forest Resource Council
Oregon Forest Industries Council

[The full text of Jim's speech to the 2019 Oregon Logging Conference can be viewed here.]

[Jim's 2020 interview about the recovery of the Archie Creek Fire can be viewed here.]