James Steele Sanders passed away Nov. 24, 2011, in Post Falls at the age of 94. He was born Jan. 27, 1917, on a farm near Paullina, Iowa, to James (Doc) and Sue Sanders.

Jim moved to Sanborn, Iowa, at the age of 8 and graduated from Sanborn High School in 1935. He married his high school sweetheart, Lorraine Conkey, in June 1938. They had three children: James, Sherry and Emily (deceased) at birth.

Jim worked for the Milwaukee Railroad for 35 years, raising his family in Sanborn and finishing his railroad career in Rapid City, S.D. After his retirement from the railroad, he and his wife, Lorraine, moved to Hayden Lake, spending more than 30 years in Idaho near their children and extended family, and celebrating 65 years of marriage together.

Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping, and also liked to garden. He trapped throughout his lifetime and was a Hall of Fame Member of the Idaho Trappers Association. He was an avid golfer playing into his 90s. Jim enjoyed all types of music. He played the guitar and was especially proud to play his guitar which was handcrafted by his nephew, Barry Whalen. He also played the harmonica, and was entertaining people when he was well into his 90s.

Jim is survived by his son, James (Joan) Sanders of Coeur d'Alene, and daughter Sherry (Doug) Morfitt of Coeur d'Alene; six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine, in August 2003; his mother and father, Doc and Sue; two brothers, Rex and Dick; and one sister, Susan Whalen.

No funeral service will be held. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, at the First Presbyterian Church, 521 Lakeside Ave., Coeur d'Alene. You may visit Jim's memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.