James Robert 'Jim' Shelly

James Robert Shelly passed away peacefully, in the arms of his family, at his home in Coeur dAlene, Idaho, on December 24th, 2012, at the age of 66.

James is predeceased by father James Edward Shelly, mother Dorothy Jean Shelly and son Christopher Bradley Depner.

Jim is survived by his loving wife and best friend Carolyn of 35 years.

James is lovingly remembered by his sons James R. Shelly Jr. (June) of Post Falls, Idaho, Craig Cornehl (Jan) of Spokane, Wash., and his daughters Kim Beasley of Post Falls, Julie Shelly of Post Falls, Cindy Depner of Hayden, Idaho, and Cheryl Schneider of Coeur dAlene.

He will be dearly missed by his 5 sisters, Carol, Connie, Patti, Debbie and Teri, his 7 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

James was born in Caliente, Nevada, on June 30th, 1946. He graduated from Hermiston High in 1964 and went on to earn an associates degree.

He spent his life in the telecommunications industry as an outside plant engineer, retiring from Verizon (fGTE) in 1997, working as an independent contractor for a few years and ultimately establishing his own business, which he has managed for the past 8 years.

Jim enjoyed golfing locally with the boys and many of his travels around the U.S. and Canada had a golf theme. James and Carolyn enjoyed many vacations with friends in Mexico, Canada and the Oregon Coast. Through the years James also enjoyed photography, hiking, fishing and spending time with family and friends. He spent his life educating himself, all the while sharing every best practice he learned in life with his family. Jim had a deep gratitude for his opportunity to live and work in beautiful North Idaho and truly believed he had been given a gift.

He will fondly be remembered as a very special person who would help anyone willing to help themselves. He was a whiz with financials, making it part of each day. He was witty and humorous. His candor was appreciated, but often after the fact. He was a teacher and a mentor. He was a good man, a loving husband, father, big brother, grandpa, uncle and friend.

The family would like to thank Hospice of North Idaho for care they provided to James and the support they provided the family through his journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835 or Kootenai County Humane Society, 11600 N. Ramsey Road, Hayden, ID 83835.

A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, January 5th, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at English Funeral Chapel, 1700 N. Spokane St, Post Falls, Idaho.

Please sign Jims guest registry and view online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.