James 'Jim' B. Hoss, 84
James (Jim) Hoss passed away peacefully at Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene on Sept. 21, 2024, surrounded by love. Born on April 24, 1940, in Antioch, Calif., to James H. and Dora (Carson) Hoss, Jim spent his early years in Hope, Idaho, where his love for the outdoors began. Jim’s lifelong passion for hiking, fishing and hunting were shaped by the natural beauty that surrounded him growing up and which also fueled his adventurous spirit.
Jim graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1958, where he was a standout in football, track and basketball. During the summers, he worked as a forest service lookout. It was also around this time that his dream of flying took hold when he spotted a fighter plane zooming low and fast over Lake Pend Oreille from his family home. He knew right then — that was what he wanted to do.
After high school, Jim went on to attend North Idaho Junior College and later transferred to the University of Nevada at Reno. He played football until an injury sidelined him, but he didn't let that slow him down. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1965 while working nights as a dealer at Harrah’s Club to support his growing family. He never did explain all his amazing card tricks! He would later go on to gain a master’s degree in psychology.
Jim married the love of his life, Sandy Schooler, on Aug. 8, 1961, at the First Presbyterian Church in Coeur d’Alene. The two were inseparable as they started their journey together, beginning in Reno, where Jim finished college. Shortly after, he achieved his childhood dream of becoming a pilot, commissioned into the U.S. Air Force in the 1960s. He trained as a fighter pilot, flying the iconic F-4 Phantom (Wild Weasel). His military career took him all over the world, including a tour of duty in Vietnam during the 1970s.
Jim and Sandy raised four children while navigating military life. No matter where the Air Force sent them — whether it was California, Florida, Texas, Colorado, Alaska, Hawaii, Germany or beyond — they made the most of it. The family embraced each new adventure, from fishing in the Alaskan wilderness to soaking up the sun on Hawaiian beaches and even exploring castles across Europe. Jim always had a knack for turning road trips into epic adventures, often finding “shortcuts” that made the journey more memorable.
After retiring from the Air Force with 26 years of dedicated service, Jim continued to pursue his passion for the outdoors. He and a friend launched Colorado Safari Outfitting, where they led hunting expeditions into the backcountry on horseback. In 1991, Jim and Sandy returned to Coeur d’Alene to be closer to their parents. Jim transitioned into a role in juvenile corrections, where he worked for 12 years before fully retiring.
After Sandy’s passing at the age of 62, Jim found new ways to keep busy. He took up golf, playing on every U.S. military golf course in the world. During his travels, he even learned Spanish, teaching himself through CDs while on the road to his next destination. Never one to sit still, Jim returned to powerlifting in his 70s, a sport he had enjoyed during his military days, and set three U.S. records for his age group.
Not done adventuring, Jim went on to live in China for several months and later spent two years in Ecuador, soaking in the culture and exploring new horizons. During all his travels, Jim especially enjoyed connecting with friends all over the world, which he made during his amazing life of travel. Eventually, he made his way back to Coeur d’Alene, where he cherished time with his family, continued working out, read voraciously and enjoyed the occasional fishing trip.
In his own words, “I have been blessed with a wonderful, exciting and rewarding life, a loving family and many wonderful friends. Thank you for enriching my life. Now on to the next chapter with my Lord and Savior.”
His four children survive Jim: Linda Hoss (Debbie) of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Lori Dudas (Barney) of Lithia, Fla.; Jim Hoss (Shannon) of Hayden, Idaho; and Kathy Boatwright (Tim) of Vienna, Va. He is also survived by his sister, June Entringer of Albuquerque, N.M., along with 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandy, as well as his parents, James and Dora Hoss, and brother Robert Hoss.
Jim lived a life full of adventure, passion and love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, humor, curiosity and a never-ending zest for life. He was dearly loved and will be forever missed.
A graveside ceremony with military honors will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Riverview Cemetery, 1065 N. Lincoln Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. A memorial service with a reception will follow at 2:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 521 E. Lakeside Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Schneidmiller Hospice House, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815 (www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org).
Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Jim’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.
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