James (Jim) W. Walton, 79

James (Jim) W. Walton, 79, passed away early April 5 at hospice house after falling at his home on March 31 as he was getting into bed. Jim was born in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on January 17, 1943, to Reed Walton and Helen Clack.

Dad met his wife, Alohae Borley, when they were in the same second-grade class at Roosevelt School. They started going out together during the summer before their freshman year of high school, and were married, almost 62 years ago on August 10, 1960; he was her "honey bunny." He worked at Andy's Enco and Bill & Gar Texaco in the early years of their marriage. He then went to work for Larry Gardner at Gardner's Supply (auto parts). He later managed Jobbers Warehouse, then he went to Kellogg for two years and managed Gardner Supply. He came back and went into partnership with his dad, Reed, after buying Gardner Supply. After seven years, he and mom (Alohae) bought out his dad's portion of the business, then his mom and dad retired. Later, mom and dad bought property on Third Street, which gave Walton Auto Supply a new home. They retired in 1993. When East Side Fire District was being formed, he wanted to help them out, so he joined as a volunteer and ended up being the fire chief. Dad loved the fire district and he was proud of the fact he got so many state-of-the-art vehicles to replace the 6X6 military vehicles that were on loan from the Dept. of Lands.

He enjoyed the annual Dorothy Borley Memorial Float down the CdA River until he couldn't do it any longer due to having nine strokes. He was a member of the Eagles 485, and he enjoyed watching Gonzaga basketball and the Seattle Seahawks. He loved fishing, hunting and his "girl dog Foxie," and most of all, he loved his family very much. Dad, we miss you so much, but we know you are out of pain now.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Alohae; sons Jamie and Phillip; sister Marjorie (Darrell) Storkson; sisters-in-law Carol (Randy) Diemert and Judi Woempner; grandsons Ryan Lanterman and Donald Cloud; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Deborah Anne.

We give special thanks to Butch Stoddard, Traci and Vic Parrish, Kathy Flint, Joyce Stephenson, East Side Fire District and hospice. Jim always said he doesn't want a service, but he would like everyone to go out and buy their favorite fishing lure in his memory. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of North Idaho.

Final arrangements have been entrusted to English Funeral Chapel. Please view and sign his guestbook at englishfuneralchapel.com

I'M FREE

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free;

I'm following the path God laid for me.

I took His hand when I heard Him call;

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

to laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks undone must stay that way.

I found that peace at close of day.

If my parting has left a void,

then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared a laugh, a kiss,

ah, yes, these things I too, will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full; I've savored much,

good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your hearts and share with me;

God wanted me now: He set me FREE!