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James R. Chase

James R. Chase finished his life adventure on Oct. 6, 2016, at Rose Terrace Cottages.

James was born on a ranch near Colville, Wash. to Willis James Chase and Alice (Schreiber) Chase, and was taught a strong work ethic from an early age. It was the depression, so he began his working career at age eight by setting pins at the local bowling alley and working at a local greenhouse to help support his family.

Jim attended schools in Colville and later served in the Navy during World War II.

In 1947, Jim moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to attend North Idaho Junior College and study watchmaking and aircraft instruments. It was during this period of time that he met and married Colleen Garvey.

As their family grew to include Diane, Connie and James Michael, Jim worked in a variety of jobs, from equipment operator for General Telephone, to logging in the woods, to working at local sawmills including Ohio Match, Northwest Timber and Potlatch Forest.

In 1955, Jim began a tree business with his brother-in-law and they trimmed and removed trees for several utility companies in north Idaho and eastern Washington.

In 1960 Jim started Chase Enterprises. Beginning with a portable piledriver and a tugboat, he built docks and drove pilings on Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Spirit and Twin Lakes. Despite being seriously injured in August 1963 when a pulley broke and took his right eye, he continued to own and operate Chase Enterprises.

In 1967, the family was enlarged by the adoption of Timothy Michael Chase.

By the time he sold Chase Enterprises in 1992, he had four tugs and a couple more pile drivers.

He was a character with many stories to tell at home, at the Fort Grounds Tavern and at the Lakers. He taught his family to work hard and above all, to take pride in their name.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Marjorie Dodge Schultz; his brother, Willis Dale Chase; his son, Timothy Michael Chase; and his son-in-law, James Frank.

Surviving family include: his wife of 70 years, Colleen; daughters, Diane (John) Frank and Connie Frank; son, Mike (Lorraine) Chase; daughter-in-law, Tammy Morris Chase; nine grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

We as a family would like to express our sincere thanks to Rose Garden Terrace staff and Hospice of North Idaho for their exceptional care of Jim.

A service for Jim will be held at noon on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, at Yates Funeral Home in Coeur d’Alene. Reception to follow at The Garden at the Orchard Ridge.

If desired, memorial remembrances may be made in Jim’s name to Schneidmiller Hospice House who cared for Jim and his son, Tim.

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