June 30, 1946 - Dec. 24, 2012

James Robert Shelly passed away peacefully, in the arms of his family at his home in Coeur d’Alene on Dec. 24, 2012, at the age of 66.

James is predeceased by father James Edward Shelly, mother Dorothy Jean Shelly and son Christopher Bradley Depner.

Jim is survived by his loving wife and best friend Carolyn of 35 years.

James is lovingly remembered by his sons, James R. Shelly Jr. (June) of Post Falls, Craig Cornehl (Jan) of Spokane; and his daughters, Kim Beasley of Post Falls, Julie Shelly of Post Falls, Cindy Depner of Hayden, Cheryl Schneider of Coeur d’Alene.

He will be dearly missed by his five sisters, Carol, Connie, Patti, Debbie and Teri; his seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

James was born in Caliente, Nev., on June 30, 1946. He graduated from Hermiston High in 1964 and went on to earn an associate’s degree.

He spent his life in the telecommunications industry as an Outside Plant Engineer, retiring from Verizon (fGTE) in 1997, working as an independent contractor for a few years ultimately establishing his own business which he has managed for the past eight years.

Jim enjoyed golfing locally with the “boys” and many of his travels around the U.S. and Canada had a golf theme. James and Carolyn enjoyed many vacations with friends in Mexico, Canada and the Oregon Coast. Through the years James also enjoyed photography, hiking, fishing and spending time with family and friends. He spent his life educating himself all the while sharing every best practice he learned in life with his family. Jim had a deep gratitude for his opportunity to live and work in beautiful North Idaho and truly believed he had been given a gift.

He will fondly be remembered as a very special person who would help anyone willing to help themselves. He was a whiz with financials making it part of each day. He was witty and humorous. His candor was appreciated but often after fact. He was a teacher and a mentor. He was a good man, a loving husband, father, big brother, grandpa, uncle and friend.

The family would like to thank Hospice of North Idaho for care they provided to James and the support they provided the family through his journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835 or Kootenai County Humane Society, 11600 N. Ramsey Road, Hayden, ID 83835.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, at English Funeral Chapel, 1700 N. Spokane St., Post Falls.

Please sign Jim’s guest registry and view his online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.