James Donis Tinnel, 91

A long time resident of Seattle, Washington, died in his sleep from heart failure at home in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He was born in Garfield, Washington, on June 12, 1923, to parents James Richard Tinnel and Alta Myrtle (Corp) Tinnel. James grew up in Colfax, Washington.

He became known as the Deacon from his strong Christian beliefs as a child. He received his Silver Eagle Scout at age 14 and graduated from High School with nine sport letters and art honors. He attended Washington State University and played tight end for the Cougars football team.

His many talents and love of music mastering the harmonica and clarinet led to traveling with a five-piece band. When enlisting in the Navy during WWII, he was chosen out of 400 applicants as one of the first divers of the foundation for the Navy Seals. Served as 2nd Class Metal Smith Hard Helmet Salvage Diver SV6 USNR. While in the Navy, he was given the nicknames Tiger and Red for his quick wit in the Navy boxing rings with his fire red hair. He always had great stories and loved to entertain.

He married Janice Elizabeth Matzger, a twin to Joyce Elenor Matzger Myers, from Colfax, Washington, who both preceded his death along with nephew Brett L. Myers. James and loving wife Janice had four daughters.

He became a general contractor in Moses Lake, Washington, and loved flying his airplanes to help his friends out in need which kept him on the go.

The family moved to Spokane, Washington, where he became a realtor, and owned a restaurant and apartments. His move to Seattle, Washington, launched him to commercial, residential businesses and investments.

He met his wife of forty years, Doris A. Smith from Edmonton, Alberta Canada, who owned a beauty shop and was in the restaurant business. Together they traveled the U.S. by motor home where he continued playing his harmonica and entertaining with a happy heart along the way.

In 1988 he was in a fifty year football re-match at age 68 called "Codger Bowl" held in Colfax, Washington, against St. John which long-time childhood friend Cleve Alan Richardson, who became a famous actor known as John Crawford, conceived.

The news of this re-match spread to People Magazine, a song was written and a movie clip created. Memorial totem poles of the codgers who participated were carved and proudly stand in Colfax, Washington. Deacon's light hearted, cheerful, fun loving personality is in the memory of us all.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Marjorie and brother Art, and scores of friends. Deacon joins our loving stepmother Doris A. Smith who went home to glory on March 11th, 2013. She was born on January 26, 1915. James is survived by his daughters Vicki Tinnel, Shelly Rockstrom, Cynthia Emerson (Tom), Janice Myers (Marvin); seven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren; nephew Rodney Tinnel, niece Margie Knox (Rudy), nephews Bill Myers (Carol), Glen Myers (Jill), niece Sheree Blomster (John); numerous great nephews and nieces.

His daughters remember him as 'Buddy Boy,' 'Pop' and 'Sweet Daddy' and saying his goodbyes with "Be Sweet and Stay Happy." Graveside Memorial Saturday, June 13th, at 10:00 a.m. in Garfield, Washington, at the Cemetery, followed by a gathering of family and friends in Colfax, Washington, at The Events, 203 N. Main Street, Colfax, Washington, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit James's online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.