James 'Bud' Emery Orr, 87

James "Bud" Emery Orr passed away on Feb. 23, 2015.

James Orr was born in Donalda, Alberta, on Sept. 15, 1927, to Merrill Emery Orr and Gladys (Loney) Orr. They returned to the United States approximately one year later and settled in Columbus, N.D.

Jim attended a country school before enrolling in Columbus High School. The family moved to Hazen, N.D. in 1944, and Jim enrolled and graduated from Hazen High School in 1945. He joined the U.S. Navy after graduation and served four years in Key West, Fla., Hawaii and Alaska on patrol ships.

Jim married Evelyn Dorothy Reichenberg in 1948. A son, Roger, was born later that year. Jim returned to Hazen after separation from the service, where he was employed by Truax-Traer Coal Mining Company as a heavy equipment operator.

Three more children were born to their growing family in North Dakota: Bruce Douglas, Patricia Anne and Terry James. The family moved to Coeur d'Alene in 1955, where Thomas Emery Orr was born. Jim was employed at General Telephone until his retirement in 1986.

In his early years, Jim was a self-taught musician and had a knack for rhythm and stringed instruments. Apparently the music gene was passed down to the family over the years, as all their children acquired an ability to play some instrument in their lives, as shown when the Rag Tag quintet of children played at their grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and family outings on the lake. His love for blueback fishing (kokanee salmon) was also a staple of the Orr family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Merrill and Gladys. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn; his daughter Patricia, sons Roger, Bruce, Terry and Thomas; seven grandchildren: Kim Evans, Jerry Elder, Lisa Delich, Daniel Orr, Daylon Orr, Shennie Orr and Hudson Orr; along with three great-grandchildren: Merrill Delich, Dominic Delich, and Garret Elder.

Jim will be missed by his community of family and friends.

The service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, at the English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene. Graveside service with military honors will be at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens, 7315 N. Government Way, Coeur d'Alene.

Please visit Jim's memorial and sign his online guestbook at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.