James William Luttrell, 99

Our lives have been greatly impacted by the loss of our Daddy, James William (Bill) Luttrell. He lived a long fruitful life of 99 years and 10 months. He was born July 4, 1916, to A.C. Luttrell and Mary Oda (Hardin) Luttrell in Paducah, Texas. He was called home May 7, 2016, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

He married Clessie Vivian Evans on Sept. 6, 1936. That union lasted 63 years and 10 months until her passing in May 2000. In January 2002, he married Jerolene Vinghouse, a childhood friend whom he hadn’t seen in 75 years. He was 85 and she was 87 at that time. That union lasted until her passing in March 2014.

He was a Christian, accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 12 and being buried in baptism in a horse trough in Fields, N.M. He did the Lord’s work until his passing. He was a remarkable example to all who knew him — a hardworking man of many talents, who never shirked any responsibility he was given. As a youth of 12 years old, he worked at Western Union in Big Spring, Texas, and also worked for the local newspaper as a paperboy. He recalled standing on the street corner selling papers and calling out “Big Spring Daily Herald” to passersby. He had a sing-song way of saying it that was truly charming. He still would do it into his 90s. He had a sharp wit to the end and was a delight to have around.

During his life he was a master mechanic. He would repair tractors and farm equipment for neighboring farmers often late into the night, sometimes being paid with a truckload of fresh fruit. During World War II, he was a member of the Civil Highway Patrol. Although he did not receive a higher level of education, that did not stop him from achieving enough knowledge to teach Diesel Mechanics at Fresno State College.

He was a dairyman, farmer and rancher for many years. From 1975-1990, he was general manager of Rancho San Carlos in Carmel Valley, Calif., a 22,000-acre cattle ranch. He did so with great skill bringing the ranch back to its former glory by rebuilding the population of wildlife, including Russian Blue Boar and deer. He taught his children early that “A job worth doing is worth doing well.” He was first employed by the ranch in 1963. He had many happy years there. He was the last of the great cowboys. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially on the ranch, and after his retirement in June 1990, he enjoyed snowbirding with his wife, Clessie Vivian, across the United States.

He is predeceased by his parents; his two wives; a daughter, Pam (Rudy) Herzog of Rathdrum, Idaho; a sister, Geneva Schmeltzer; and two brothers, Gene (Hardin) Luttrell and Joe (Hardin) Luttrell. He is survived by a sister, Myrtle Campbell of Fresno, Calif. He also leaves behind 49 descendants, six children including two sons, Tom (Amber) of Republic, Wash., and Gary (Alice) of Patterson, Calif.; and three surviving daughters, Ellen and Penny Luttrell of Hayden, Idaho, and Kay Vaughn (Bobby) of Wickenburg, Ariz.; 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews; and a lifetime of true friends.

The family would like to extend our sincere thanks to Hospice of North Idaho for their care in his last days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s name to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.

A visitation/viewing will be held from 5–7 p.m. Thursday, May 12, 2016, with a funeral at 1 p.m. Friday, May 13, 2016, both at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden. Bill will be laid to rest on Friday, May 13, 2016, at Pinegrove Cemetery, 6693 W. Highway 53, Rathdrum, following the funeral service.

Please visit Bill’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.