James Woodrow Hite Sr., 66

Resident of Hayden went home to the arms of his Lord on Oct. 8, 2010. Jim was surrounded by his devoted family, which has been by his side throughout his 20-year battle with cancer. Jim was born to Woodrow Wilson Hite and Marcile Marion (Shillito) Hite on Feb. 5, 1944, in Portland, Ore.

The Hite family moved from Sherwood, Ore., to Sylmar, Calif., in the early 1950s. Jim graduated from San Fernando High School and shortly thereafter joined the Navy - spending two tours in Vietnam as a member of "The Fighting SeaBee's" (MCB 11) Naval Construction Battalion.

He married Suzanne Marie Renzi on Feb. 3, 1968, in Sylmar. Jim moved his family from California to North Idaho in the mid-1970s. They made their home first in Rathdrum and then settling in the Garwood area of Hayden. There they raised their three children, Tony, Jim Jr. and Jennifer, as well as numerous other kids they housed and cared for over the years.

Jim was "Pop" to many young men in the area. He taught them about cars, and he taught them about life, and on how to be an "Honorable Man." Jim was a humble man, of few words, and was always there to lend a hand to anyone that was in need. He gave of himself so freely, but yet expected nothing in return.

Over the years, Jim was a member and president of the Kootenai County Saddle Club. Jim was a little league coach and was involved in scouting with both of his sons. He later was active in BMX bicycle racing with all three of his kids and any other kid at the track that needed help. He also enjoyed building race cars, both stock as well as drag, and many VW powered dune buggies and sand rails. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and camping, and cherished his time spent up on the Saint Joe River with family and friends.

Jim was a longtime employee of the Kootenai County Sheriff's department. He loved his job and all the wonderful friends he made while there. Regrettably, he was forced to retire due to his ongoing battle with cancer. Jim was one of the driving forces behind the development of Papino's, our family's Italian Restaurant. Jim learned every one of the family recipes, and loved working alongside of Mama and Papa Bedini. He could whip up a mean pizza or a calzone and anything else on the menu.

I have always said that Jim was a "Jack of All Trades" and he mastered them all. I, as his wife, along with his children and grandchildren, sister Nancy, and sister-in-law Andrew, will always remain in awe of this man for everything that he has gone through in his life. He never once complained or felt sorry for himself. He truly has been an inspiration to his family and has left behind a legacy that will live on forever.

"You will remain, my KNIGHT" - J.W. Hite.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, at "Real Life Ministries" in Post Falls with a Pot Luck reception there immediately following.

There is a memorial fund in place for the family at any Chase Bank, for those who care to donate in lieu of flowers.

Those who care to do so may go online at www.englishfuneralchapel.com and share your personal feelings and fond memories of Jim.