JAMES, Stephen Richard

Steve James was born in Spokane on July 27, 1947 to Lenora and Bill James. He attended Whittier Elemen-tary, Sacajawea Junior High and Lewis and Clark High School. At the age of 12 Steve earned his Eagle Scout badge.  

From Spokane Steve moved to Moscow, Idaho to attend the University of Idaho where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. After graduating with a degree in Business Finance, Steve became a C.P.A., and worked for a local accounting firm for several years before starting his own business.

Outside of his professional life, Steve served on the board of the local Red Cross and volunteered for local fundraisers such as Wampum and the Spokane Grand Prix.

In 1996 Steve was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The disease forced him to discontinue his professional career. For a number of years he lived at Parkway Village Assisted Living where he was universally loved and cared for by the Parkway staff. As his condition worsened he was moved to The Gardens on University, a nursing home, where again he was loved and well cared for by staff.

Steve's nickname was "Smiley," and as the name implies he could always be counted on to see the brighter side of life. Though his illness caused him to lose connection with many of his friends over time, there were some who religiously visited him right up to the end.  

Steve is survived by his two brothers, Bill James (Linda) of Spokane and Andy James (Sally) of Colville. Steve was also an uncle to five nieces and two nephews scattered around the Northwest.

There will be no formal memorial service for Steve. Friends and family are asked to remember him with their personal thoughts and prayers. Donations may be made to the Red Cross, the Spokane chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society or to a   charity of choice   .
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