James Everett Lee Krels

Born in Spokane, WA, at Deaconess Hospital to John Krels and Charlotte Schoonover Krels (Strope), Jim spent his younger years in Spokane. After his father’s death and mother’s remarriage, the family relocated to California which was not Jim’s cup of tea. He was quickly on a train to Montana where he spent his fondest years ranching and mining coal with his Uncle John. The Vietnam Era lead him to service in the US Army which to his dying day was an “honor and a privilege”. While stationed in Germany, he met and married Brigitte Fingerhut, with whom he returned to Spokane (after a short stay in Montana) to raise a family. He made a career in construction and took pride in “building America”. In his later years, he returned to his love of farming on Peone Prairie and looked forward to his yearly trip to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on the back of “Harley”. He is survived by his daughters, Claudia Marston (Mark), Petra O’Brien (Shawn), Sonja Arganbright (Andrew), and Maureen Kumakura (Tyler); his ex-wife, Brigitte Krels; his grandchildren, Nicole, Melina, Genevie, Morgan, Sara, James, Silas and Jacob; his great-grandchildren, cousins, and many friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John and Charlotte; by his brother, John; by numerous aunts, uncles, and his beloved grandparents. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. at Riplinger Funeral Home, 4305 N Division, Spokane, WA with Pastor Bob Smith officiating. Interment with Military honors will follow at Greenwood Memorial Terrace Cemetery.