James (Jim) Ernest VanVoorhis
VanVoorhis
James (Jim) Ernest VanVoorhis
July 18, 1934 - June 26, 2022
Jim was born July 18, 1934, on the family farm south of Tekoa, Wash., Jim was the youngest of five children born to Van V. VanVoorhis and Emma (Grambsch) VanVoorhis. As a child, he entertained himself by creating small inventions, an activity that stayed with him his entire life.
Jim attended elementary and high school in Tekoa, graduating in 1952. As a junior, he was selected as a Boy’s State Delegate, traveling to Ellensburg, Wash., and participating in a mock-state government.
Jim served in the Army Security Agency from 1953-1956. Upon graduating from Agency School, he traveled to Japan, Korea, and the Philippines where he supported the Air Force as a radio operator. While enlisted, he played Far East League football for the Army’s Black Knights Team.
After serving in the Army, Jim returned to the Tekoa area and in 1958 married Gerrie Baycroft. Their sons, Mike and Alan were born in 1960 and 1961. The family moved to Spokane where Jim began a management program with the W.T. Grant Stores and was later transferred to Los Angeles. Shortly after their son Ken was born, the VanVoorhis’ returned to Tekoa. Jim was employed with Gardner & Smith and later, Wilbur Ellis Co. He freely gave his time to the small community, serving as a city council member, the volunteer fire chief, an EMT, and a municipal judge. Jim was a private pilot and with local pilots, enjoyed the freedom and fun of flying.
In 1990, Jim and Gerrie relocated to Hayden, Idaho, and Jim purchased a small welding shop in Coeur d’Alene. He and his son Alan managed the business for 14 years.
Semi-retired, Jim worked as a conductor on Silverwood Theme Park's train and as a night security guard and janitor for the Hayden Lake Country Club. He carved birds as a hobby and became a beekeeper. He was also an avid reader.
On November 11, 2014, Jim was presented with an Ambassador for Peace medal by the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Republic of Korea. Additionally, he traveled on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. that year.
Over the years, the family grew to include seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Jim and Gerrie celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on June 22, 2022.
Jim was preceded in death by is parents, Van V. VanVoorhis and Emma (Grambsch) VanVoorhis; his brother, Wayne, Robert, and Burdette; and his sister, Joyce Larsen. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine (Baycroft) VanVoorhis; sons, Mike VanVoorhis (Mona), Alan VanVoorhis (Gina), Ken VanVoorhis (Mitzi); grandchildren: Gary VanVoorhis (Dianna), Callie Allen (Max), Laura VanVoorhis Hurst (Casey), Carli Joseph (Mathew), Dana Brimmer, Holly VanVoorhis, Jack VanVoorhis; great-grandchildren: Scarlet, Henry, and Hazel Allen; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
Donations may be made to Tekoa Community Church, P.O. Box 845 Tekoa, Washington 99033.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at Community United Methodist Church, 1470 West Hanley Ave., in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. All are welcome to attend.
Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final arrangements. Please visit Jim’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com