Jason Boe was born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California. When he turned 24 in 1953,[1] he made his way north to Oregon to attend school at Pacific University, where he earned a doctorate in optometry. It was during his time at Pacific that he met his future wife, Kathryn.[1] They both shared a common interest in classical music and quickly fell in love and married.[1] After Boe earned his doctorate, he and Kathryn moved to Reedsport, Oregon, where he began his optometry practice.[1]
In 1958, Boe successfully sought a seat on the Reedsport City Council.[2]
Legislative career
Boe sought a seat in the Oregon State Legislature, and in 1964 he was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives. He served for three consecutive terms, from 1964 to 1970.[2] He was elected to the Oregon State Senate in 1970 and served there until 1980.[2]
In 1973 (the 57th Oregon Legislative Assembly), he broke up a coalition of conservative Democrats and Republicans to be elected Senate President.[2] In the 1975 session, he was challenged by fellow Democrat Betty Roberts for the position, but prevailed, in part due to the decision of independentCharles Hanlon to join the Democratic Party and support Boe.[3] Boe remained Senate President for four consecutive terms.[4]
Jason Boe retired from elective office after his 1980 failed bid for Oregon State Treasurer. He later owned Jason Boe & Associates, Inc., an international consulting firm that had offices in both Taiwan and Korea.[6]