James Delbert DeLaVergne, 84

James Delbert DeLaVergne, 84, passed away on Monday, Nov. 1, 2010, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will take place later. Jim will be missed and loved always.

Jim was born on Sept. 19, 1926 in Patchogue, N.Y., to James and Emily Nelson. His education began in Portland, Ore., at Elliot Grade School, and he graduated from Benson Polytechnic High School. After high school he joined the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon his discharge, he continued his education at Portland State University and Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Ore.

Jim married Loie Beal on Oct. 26, 1951. He worked for Colyer Motor Sales and Tektronix Inc. He was a planner and prototype machinist in the model shop. After retiring from Tektronix, he worked for C.D. Medical, also in the Portland area. After retiring again he went to work for ALP Logging in Alaska.

Jim moved to Sandpoint in 1996 to be closer to family.

Jim was a member of the First Christian Church in Forest Grove, Ore., and Sandpoint. His main focus was his family. He was a kind and loving father and giver of himself.

 Jim had many hobbies and was an expert craftsman. He loved flying and was a member of the EEA in Oregon, where he worked on a Long EZ airplane. Jim volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, the Fish and Wildlife in the Arctic, and on the tall ship Belle Blonde in Victoria, British Columbia.

Jim was an avid volunteer for his children’s activities; including Little League baseball, Babe Ruth, and Cub Scouts. He was also a Boy Scout district commissioner, AAU swimming official, and Ballad Town Days volunteer for the city of Forest Grove.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Loie J. DeLaVergne of Sandpoint; four children, Michelle (David) White of Beaverton, Ore., Marc James (Joyce) DeLaVergne of Sandpoint, Diane (Mike) DeLaVergne-Allen of Avondale, Ariz., and Paul Jean DeLaVergne of Sandpoint; eight grandchildren, Amy, Erick, Bryan, Wade, Trevor, Daniel, Clairissa, and Aaron;  and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Emily, step-father Frank DeLaVergne, step-sister Joanne Nelson, and step-son Donald DeLaVergne.

Memorial donations may be made to Bonner Community Hospice, PO Box 1448, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Jim’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.