James 'Jim' David Striker, 82

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, James “Jim” David Striker, 82, of Wallace, Idaho, passed away Aug. 20, 2020, after a long and courageous battle with Lewy Dementia, Parkinson's and COVID.

Jim was born on Sept. 2, 1937, in Spokane, Wash. He was the son of Harold and Elsie (Johnson) Striker. Jim attended schools in Addy, Wash., and graduated from Chewelah High School in Chewelah, Wash., in 1955. He then attended the University of Montana on a football scholarship and majored in bacteriology; while attending college, Jim was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He joined the National Guard in College, enlisted and finished his Army duties in the Army Reserves for nine years; Jim was the West Coast Weapons instructor.

Jim married his beloved and devoted wife, Jean Ann “Skippy” Caron on June 29, 1957, at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Wallace.

Jim joined his father-in-law, Pete Caron in the mining business and they formed the C.S.C. Mining Company. Mining was Jim’s passion; his work took him to the farthest places, many countries and to the end, he was always going to “Open that Mine tomorrow.”

Jim had coached the Wallace Little League for 13 years and Babe Ruth baseball for four years. He was instrumental in forming the Wallace Junior League football and coached for five years. Jim was a lifetime member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the NRA, the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, the Wallace Elks and Drum & Bugle Corp and the Wallace Gyro Club; he had also served as a committee member for most of these organizations. Jim and his wife, Skippy, were Certified Officials in the PNSA Ski Racing for several years, traveling all over the Pacific Northwest. Jim had also owned and operated the Trophy Outfitting and Guide business for 25 years.

Jim’s passions were his family, hunting and fishing. Jim took his families to Alaska on 25 fishing trips; he was the happiest when he was with his family.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Jean Ann “Skippy” Striker of the family home of Wallace; two sons, James Striker Jr. of Wallace and Jeffrey Striker of Post Falls, Idaho; his grandchildren, Richae Labau of Spokane, Alexandra Striker of Bellingham, Wash., and Heaven Striker of Wallace; his great-grandchildren, Eva and Silas Striker of Bellingham; and one brother, Dennis Striker of Northport, Wash. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Frances Reikers.

Jim was always a kind, considerate and loving husband and father; he would do anything for his family especially his grandchildren. To the end, Jim believed that a Man’s handshake was worth more than a contract. He was dearly loved and will be missed by his family and friends.

A memorial Mass and a celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Wallace, with Father Jerome Montez serving as celebrant. A reception for family and friends will be held at the Wallace Elks following services.

The family suggests memorials may be made to the Wallace Gyro Scholarship Fund, 602 Bank St., Wallace, ID 83873.

Shoshone Funeral Services & Crematory, Kellogg, Idaho, is entrusted with services. You may share your memories of Jim and sign his guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com.