James Vaughn Crump, 62

James “Jim” Vaughn Crump, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on June 7, 2020, at 62 years of age. After a hard battle with cancer, he went home to the loving arms of Jesus.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Lee; his three children, Jenny, Jeff and Jarrod; his son and daughters-in-law (or as he would call them, his other children) Eric, Emily and Kacey, his 10 grandchildren, Malia, Gabriela, Dominic, Gavin, Makenna, Clare, Jolene, Ella, Lucy and baby Crump; and his sister, Clydene Dixon. He is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Lowell Crump and his sister, Catherine Westmark.

Jim was born in Nampa, Idaho, on Jan. 31, 1958. He graduated from Nampa High School in 1976. He attended Boise State University to obtain a degree in geology, and would later finish school at the University of Idaho to get a Bachelor’s in Education at the encouragement of his sister, Catherine. He would also obtain a Master’s in Education in later years.

While living in Boise, Jim would meet his future wife, Mary Lee, at a Halloween party. He was dressed as a werewolf, and she was Hot Lips Houlihan from the TV show. M*A*S*H. It was love at first howl. Together with their three kids they eventually settled in the Coeur d’Alene area.

Jim enjoyed hiking, backpacking, woodworking, and boating on Lake Pend Oreille. The two things that were most important to him, however, were faith and family. Jim converted to Catholicism in 2010 and quickly fell in love with the history, theology, saints and prayers that it contains. Jim was active in his faith and had recently become a member of the Knights of Columbus. He had a profound faith that offered him and his family much comfort in those final times. He also loved being a dad and grandpa, always lighting up at the chance to play with his grandchildren and spending time with his children. And of course, Jim knew that none of this would have been possible without his best friend and love of his life, Mary Lee.

Jim was a teacher for over 20 years, teaching both math and science. He taught mostly in the Lakeland School District, and helped open Timberlake Junior/Senior High School in Spirit Lake. While at Timberlake, he even had the privilege of teaching each of his children. Toward the end of his career he taught at Kootenai Technical Education Campus (KTEC), where he loved being able to integrate the trades into classic education. Jim had a passion for teaching others and cherished his time at Timberlake and KTEC and the friends and memories made there.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2020, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, located at 625 E. Haycraft Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Visitation with viewing will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2020, with Rosary Service at 5:30 p.m., at Yates Funeral Home, 744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene. Interment will be at St. Pius X Columbarium. Social distancing guidelines will be in place. A reception will follow the funeral at the home of Eric and Jenny Kenner, 404 W. Vista Drive, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815. Online registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com

His family would like to thank all the love, support and prayers that have been poured out and continue to pour out to honor Jim. Memorials in Jim’s honor can be made to Hospice of North Idaho or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, at Pope St. Pius X in Coeur d’Alene.