Bennie J. "Jim" Barber, 81

Bennie J. "Jim" Barber passed away July 31, 2014 after an extended illness. He was born on March 13, 1933 in Kellogg, Idaho to Clara Byrd and Bennie F. Barber. His father died when he was a year old and the family moved to Coeur d'Alene. Later his mother married Pete Brandt. After attending grade school and high school - graduating in 1951 - he began working for the Bureau of Land Management as a surveyor. Jim married Patty Shierk on March 13, 1953. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary March 13, 2013. He was drafted into the military in 1953 during the Korean War and spent time in Korea and Japan. He was discharged in June of 1955 and began working for RC Worst. After working for many years as a journeyman carpenter he started his own contracting business at which time he continued until his retirement in 1995. Jim carried on his carpentry in retirement doing special projects for himself and others. He enjoyed gathering with his lifelong friends, fishing, sports and just driving around the area in his convertible looking at the beautiful scenery and the new homes that were being built. Jim was a member of the Coeur d'Alene Eagles since 1955.

He is survived by his wife, Patty Barber; their three sons: Jeffrey, of Calder; Michael, of Coeur d'Alene; and Mark (Heather), of Rathdrum; three grandchildren: Ben (Shannon), Brodia, and Brandon; five great-grandchildren, and his two sisters, Norma Jean Baker of Spokane, Wash., and Lue (Dick) Rookwood of Coeur d'Alene.

At Jim's request there will be no service. A celebration of his life will be held by the family at a later date. Donations in his name can be made at Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835 or the Museum of North Idaho, 115 Northwest Blvd., Coeur d'Alene, ID 8381. Yates Funeral Homes, Coeur d'Alene, is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Jim's online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com