James David DeForge, 69

James David DeForge (Age 69)

Jim was born Oct. 23, 1951, to Bob and Marvel DeForge in Spokane, Wash. He went home to be with his dearly beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 8, 2021, with his wife of 29 years, Eugenia, by his side at Kootenai Hospital. He suffered a heart attack and a stroke.

He attended school at Madison Grade School, St. Francis of Assisi, Salk Junior High and North Central High School. He went on to take some trade courses at junior college.

Jim spent a short period of time with his grandparents in Hayward, Calif., where he worked at their gas station/automotive garage. He was mechanically gifted with the knowledge of taking car engines apart and putting them back together successfully at a very young age.

Jim worked in construction as a truck driver by trade for Johannsen and Inland Asphalt. Soon after he married Eugenia on Sept. 26, 1992, he started his own business, Jim DeForge Road Excavating up until his passing.

Jim enjoyed playing the drums as a teenager and continued to play with various bands professionally. After his marriage to Eugenia they enjoyed boating over to Carlin Bay and Harrison, where he would often sing and/or sit in playing the drums. He loved boating and living on Coeur d’Alene Lake for many years. They spent their winters traveling in their motor coach and finally bought a lot in Yuma, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Marvel DeForge; his twin brother and sister, Larry and Linda; his nephew, Joshua Speck; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Jim was survived by his wife, Eugenia; daughter, Katrina Carlen from his previous marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Mindy Felton; sisters, Nikki Hanley and Laure Ely; five awesome grandsons; three step-children; four step-grandchildren; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jim knew how important it was to have a personal relationship with the Lord and would encourage others to find the same peace and joy he did in Jesus. Jim had a strong faith in God, tender heart and loved his country - a true patriot. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend and will remain forever in our hearts.

A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 18, at Yates Funeral Home, 744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Online registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.