James Henry Deife

James "Jim" Henry Deife died peacefully on May 22, 2021, at The Courtyard, where he has resided for the last two years.

Born September 24, 1944, to Lucretia McNeilly Deife and Henry Deife in Colfax, Washington. Sadly, Jim never met his Dad who died in conflict during World War II.

Jim was raised by his mother and grandparents, Art and Lucretia McNeilly, at the family ranch and then moving into town. He spent many hours with his grandfather Art, mastering hoeing the garden and going on adventures to the creek. He graduated from Colfax High School in 1962. Jim went on to attend Eastern Washington University where he studied philosophy. He was very well read, knowledgeable on many subjects and definitely had an opinion on current events.

Jim worked for many years in construction while living in Spokane. Due to health issues, he had to retire much earlier than expected. Over the years he amassed a book collection on subjects ranging from Eastern Philosophy to American Political History and Naturopathy, Gardening and Fine Woodworking. He stayed current on stock and grain markets. Over the last two years, with limited vision, Jim mastered audiobooks, magazines and TV shows on his kindle.

The summer of 2019, Jim returned to live in Colfax. Jim's family is very grateful to the staff of The Courtyard who showed compassion, care and support and to COAST/Council on Aging for ensuring he made it to his therapies and appointments.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Lucretia Deife Organ and Henry Deife. He is survived by his cousins, Joan (Charles) Nealy, Dick (Suzy) McNeilly, Timothy (Suzanne) McNeilly, Nancy (Chad) Startin, and Mark McNeilly.

At Jim's request, no service will be held. If you'd like to remember Jim, please consider donations to COAST Transportation in Colfax and the Colfax branch of the Whitman County Library in his name. Bruning Funeral Home is caring for the family. Online condolences can be made at http://www.bruningfuneralhome.com.