Jimmie Lee Bristol, 80

Jimmie Lee “Breezy” Bristol, 80, died at his home in Dalton Gardens on May 1, 2016, after battling cancer. Jimmie was born on April 22, 1936, in Brighton, Colo., to Marbry LaVon Bristol Hornberger (Venard) and Leslie Leaman Bristol.

Dad grew up in Colorado and spent time in California before his family moved to Glide, Ore., in 1953. Dad liked the looks of our Mom, Wilma Argo, from day one at school in Glide and he often told us she chased him down like a dirty dog until she caught him (Mom’s story is a little different). Mom got him to the altar on June 27, 1954, right after their high school graduation. They moved to Colorado briefly but came back to Oregon and bought a farm house on 6 acres in Melrose, Ore.

Dad worked at the lumber mill as they started their family and two daughters were born: Wendy Lea and Debra Sue. When the mill went on strike in 1958, they moved to California and Dad worked for Boeing Aviation. Another daughter, Sandra Kay, was born in California. They moved back to Melrose in 1959 and Dad went back to the mill. The last child, Pamela Lynn, was born two years later completing their family with four daughters. Dad made it known over the years he always wanted a little “Jimmie Lee Jr.” but never showed us any less love because of it. The eventual grandsons helped fill some of the void.

For any of you who knew our father, you know he was an entrepreneur with early ambitions that were brought to fruition. After selling the farm in 1970, he bought a laundromat and “let” Mom run it as they socked money away. Dad and his brother, Donald Wayne Bristol, bought land in Coeur d’Alene in 1971 and built Pappy’s Pizza. Dad traveled back and forth, and moved the family to Post Falls in 1972. Dad and his brother owned and operated Pappy’s Pizza for several years before selling it. Dad and Don bought and ran The Tortilla Factory until Don’s death in 1984.

After Don died, Dad opened up a pawn shop in Post Falls and later converted it into The Cigarette Store with an adjoining bar. Approximately 17 years ago Dad bought the Sunset Bar located on Appleway in Coeur d’Alene. Retirement is not a word my Dad knew and he would get up, diligently, each morning and go to the Sunset Bar where he continued to direct its operations until very recently. He would meet up with his buddies coming in to say hi or share a cigar. Dad loved a good cigar.

When Mom got sick last year, Dad put all of his energy into caring for her and, quite literally, brought her back to life. The family was so focused on Mom that we missed those early signs of his final battle with cancer. I don’t know why Dad decided to fight it alone — maybe so he could concentrate on Mom’s recovery, maybe to protect us girls. We will never know. But my Dad suffered — in silence — and continued to go to work each day until the very end. He never complained, never shared with us. It wasn’t until his last week that we realized the level of his pain and begged him to call Hospice. He died less than a week later.

My dad was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Post Falls, Elks in Coeur d’Alene, and a member of the Royal Order of Jesters, Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Idaho, and El Katif Shriners International. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and shooting targets and skeet.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Wilma Lea Bristol (Argo) and four daughters: Wendy Lea Bristol, Boise; Debra Sue Edmondson (Bristol) and Digby Edmondson, Rathdrum; Sandra Kay Nelson (Bristol), Hayden and Pamela Lynn Bristol, Post Falls. His parents and brother preceded him in death. He leaves one niece, Deann Bristol, Arizona; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

The family has chosen to forego a formal funeral and will be coordinating a huge celebration of life with the Shriners. We will announce the date and time later.

The family requests donations to River City Hospice in Post Falls, in lieu of flowers. We would like to thank Hospice for all their help.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Jim’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.