Jimmie Ray Burnside, 82

Jimmie Ray Burnside, 82 — Living in Costa Rica passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2012, due to complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

Jim was born Dec. 19, 1929, to George Wm (Bill Sr.) and Ethyl Burnside in Albuquerque, N.M., where he graduated from Albuquerque High School and worked at Sandia Laboratories. Jim had one older brother, George Wm (Bill Jr.), and one younger sister, Mary Mulberry, who both preceded him in death.

Jim served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. He spent time aboard the USS Henrico “Happy Hank” which earned nine battle stars for the Korean War Service and won a Navy Unit Commendation in Korea.

During one of his stops off-ship he ended up in Walla Walla, Wash., where he met his lovely wife Bobbie (Roberta) Archer. They married shortly after that and started their family in Albuquerque. In 1965 Jim packed up his family and moved hoping that returning to the Pacific Northwest would be the answer to relieve the severe allergy symptoms his wife was having to the desert climate of Albuquerque.

Jim was an accountant and retired from Clare-Pendar in Post Falls which became a part of General Instruments. He also worked at Sho-Pan-Hi Credit Union in Coeur d’Alene. Because he enjoyed keeping fit and desired to keep busy he also worked at Coeur d’Alene Athletic Club for a short time. In the mid-1980s Jim moved to Dolores, Colo., and kept extremely busy working for his eldest son and daughter-in-law at Dolores Medical Center. He was the happiest, handiest guy to have around and made life a little more pleasant for all who were fortunate enough to be near him.

Jim was a member of St. George’s Catholic Church in Post Falls and did his part to show his children that God was important in their lives. He was a fine example, delightful man and a father that compelled honesty and giving your best effort at even the smallest of tasks.

Jim is survived by his five children: Allan (Linda) Burnside of Dolores, Joan (Starr) Kelso of Hayden, James “Jim” Burnside of Coolin, Brenda Burnside of Nosara, Costa Rica, and Tim (Shannon) Burnside of Coeur d’Alene; eight grandchildren: Jenna Burnside, Adam Burnside, Chad (Marissa) Davenport, Kaci (Brad) Medlock, Jessica Burnside, Brett Burnside, Erin Burnside and Ryan Burnside; and five great-grandchildren: Tori Davenport, Braden Davenport, Britnee Davenport, Mitch Crain and Allison Crain. Also, nine nephews and nieces by marriage.

Because of his love to be warm and in the sun, Linda Burnside named him “Papatan.” From Albuquerque to Costa Rica, if the sun was shining, that’s where you could find him, and he was happy.

Jim was buried in Nosara, Costa Rica, in a small picturesque cemetery beside the ocean. He will be in our hearts forever.