It is with heavy hearts that we announce that James Peper (aka Jim “The Hammer”), a 30+ year veteran of Automated Batting Cages and most recently a beloved member of the J&J Amusements family, passed away unexpectedly on January 3rd, 2018.

Jim was an avid sports fan, regularly cheering on the Blazers, Seahawks, Oregon State Beavers, and especially the Mariners. His love of baseball started at a young age: he was a very talented player and had a promising future in the game until a blown knee shattered his prospects. He continued to play on several adult recreational leagues until his knees told him it was time to reluctantly transition from a player to an enthusiastic fan.

Jim started his work in the industry at a Grand Slam batting cage in Salem during his summers in school, and then went on to work at ABC, holding many positions there including assembly, shipping, sales and his longest position as a customer service/technical support rep before he moved into the purchasing position. He was a wealth of knowledge when it came to ABC batting cages and could remember the smallest details such as which wire color was used as far back as 1985! He was also a key person to the smooth transition and integration of ABC into J&J. During his two years at J&J, his quick wit and boisterous personality even further secured him a place in our hearts as a bright spot in even the most uneventful of days, and a very dear friend. Every coworker, vendor and customer who’s life he touched will forever be better for knowing him, and he will be missed more than words can say. Rest easy, Hammer: we love you…