Jim Repp and "The Record"

If stats could have been kept at Bronings, now Corbeill’s Funeral Home, of whose name appeared on the top line of the book in the Visitation Room of this facility, most of us would know the answer immediately: our old and recently departed friend, Jim Repp. It was uncanny how he could do that and of course he wasn’t interested in any record. I believe he did what he did to show the family, other friends, former or present colleagues, etc. his friendship and thankfulness for knowing the deceased. Or maybe Jim didn’t know the deceased at all and heard this person had no left in his life. He would still sign the book to ensure that at least one person cared for the deceased.

But that’s the way Jim was. He was a classy, patriotic Whitman County guy, an honest public servant who ran a tight ship and really enjoyed people. He was also what Colfax is still known for and that is charity, just like Sandy Archer and Deanna Leinweber downtown and at the cemetery. Rotary and the little league field (where I played, coached by both Chuck Carroll and Bob Grady). My dad giving a single guy or an entire family one day or month’s free room and board at the Plaza and Wheat and Barley. That’s the way we are here.

Jim was also a guy who expected upon his death, I believe, to get back what he had given; a public viewing where his multitude of friends could say their proper goodbyes, sign the book and have closure, as he did so many times. And if it’s said that Jim didn’t want a public viewing, Ii won’t go for it because we all know Jim and that would not be him.

Well, it’s all over now. Jim and his lovely wife, Gloria, are in Heaven. They are 100 percent whole, and of course Jim is saying, “Hi” to all his old friends and will be making new ones for eternity. That will certainly be Heaven for our friend Jim Repp.

Denny McDonald

Colfax