James 'Jim' Forbes Crunk, 95
James “Jim” Forbes Crunk left us on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018 at the age of 95.
He was born in Priest River, Idaho, to Elizabeth (Caprai Durst) and James Crunk on Oct. 24, 1923, where he joined sisters Katherine (Durst Nelson) and Dorothy E. Crunk. He attended the local Priest River schools and had completed one year at the University of Idaho, when his patriotism led him to support our country in World War II. As a soldier of the 3rd Division of the U.S. Marine Corps, he traveled to far off places such as Guam, Guadalcanal, and finally Iwo Jima, and had the war not come to an end, he was about to ship out to Japan. Upon the war’s end, he realized there was no place like home — and home he returned. He met Dorothy M. (White) Dalberg in Spokane and they married July 1954. With this marriage, he became father to Judy (Dalberg Payne). In 1957, they added Janet (Giroux) to the family.
Jim supported his family by managing a building supply store, building homes, and finally built a cedar fencing mill where he manufactured post and rail and picket fencing. Jim was an avid outdoors man right to the end — he loved hunting, fishing, mushrooming and berry picking, and cutting several cords of wood every year. He loved guiding his family and friends on countless fishing trips on Priest Lake, Spirit Lake, and the Pend Oreille River. There wasn’t a fish that did not fear Jim’s zeal for bringing them home!
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; his father, James; his mother, Elizabeth; and his sisters, Katherine and Dorothy. He is survived by his daughters, Judy Payne and Janet (David) Giroux; his grandchildren, Mindi (Matt) Baylee, Kristin (Justin) Parker, Brandyn (Chloe) Giroux and Kristopher Giroux; his great-grandchildren, Carter and Zoey Bayley and Gunner and Conley Parker; a nephew, Ron (Martha) Nelson; and a cousin, Donna Jones (Caprai). Jim had and loved the company of so many wonderful friends throughout his life — too many to mention for fear of leaving a single one out. Toward the end, three amazing caregivers helped Jim continue his zest for life.
Jim truly lived a charmed, full life, whether it was catching that trophy fish or making his Mom’s Italian pastries with his special friend. He attacked life in a deliberate style, yet with always the kindest of intentions — a soft gentle giant of a man. His humor was priceless and delivery impeccable. He was never void of that precious “sly little grin.”
Jim requested that no services be held, but wanted, instead, a celebration be held at his home. Please join us on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 1 p.m., to do just that. Oh the stories we will share of this amazing, wonderful man!
Sherman-Campbell Funeral and Cremation Services in Newport is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at shermancampbell.com.