James Russell Hereford

James Russell Hereford passed away December 21, 2022, from complications of a hard-fought battle with Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia. He was 55.

Jim was born in Spokane, Wash., to Charles "Ed" Hereford and Diane (Deeds) Hereford on June 6, 1967. He grew up on the family farm in Thornton and attended Rosalia schools, graduating in 1985. A talented 3-sport athlete, he also played legion baseball in the summer and went on to play baseball and football at Linfield University. Jim made many cherished life-long friends during his time in sports.

Jim had a mind for business and had multiple endeavors during his lifetime. His most constant was Fiber Net that he shared with his father and brother, a business he was very proud of.

Jim met his soulmate, Michelle Samoray, at Elkins Resort at Priest Lake, Idaho. They were married June 29, 1991. Together they started to grow their family and were blessed with beautiful daughters and the gift of a son nine years later. Jim's family was everything to him.

To know Jim was to love him. He had many friends who had become more like family. Family and friends were of great importance to Jim. Jim's favorite place to be was Priest Lake. He spent as much time as he could there making memories with his family and friends. His personality was larger than life, and he was often considered the life of the party, always making people laugh. He had an incredibly big heart and was willing to help anyone. From changing a flat to advising people on career paths, he was always willing to give you his time.

Jim is survived by his wife Michelle and their four children Lexie, Bailey, Abbie, and Bo. He is also survived by his brother, Jed (Trish) Hereford of Thornton, and sister, Jacki (Aaron) Kramer of Clarkston. Along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and in-laws who loved him deeply. Preceding him in death were his beloved mother Diane in 2008 and his father Ed in May.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Felts Field in Spokane on February 25, 2023, at 1:00 pm.

If you would like to make a donation in Jim's memory, an account has been set up to help cover Bo's future college expenses:

Bo Hereford Benefit Account

C/O STCU

201 E. Hastings Rd.

Spokane, WA 99218