Elton "Jim" J. Pierson, 82, of Dalton Gardens, Idaho, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2015, at his home.

Jim was born Sept. 9, 1932, in Spokane to Elton Ross and Emma Evelyn (Kinsel) Pierson. While in grade school, Jimmy and his mother moved to Detroit, Mich., while continuing his youthful summers in Spokane, Diamond Lake, and Newport, Wash. Jim graduated from Berkley High School in January 1951.

Upon receiving a work permit at age 16, Jim worked as a pin setter at a Detroit bowling alley, earning tips thrown down the gutter. During his senior year of high school, Jim worked many positions on the Chrysler-Dodge Motor assembly line as well as an inspector for parts sent overseas.

While living in Spokane, Jim received his draft notice for the Korean War. Jim served active duty for the Army during the Korean War, Heavy Mortar Company 224 Infantry Regiment, earning the Bronze Service Star along with citations and medals. Earning the rank of Sergeant, Jim was honorably discharged in 1952.

Jim moved to Coeur d'Alene and worked for Kaiser Aluminum in Spokane. During his lay off from Kaiser, Jim worked at Valley Fuel and Ice until his hire at Kootenai Electric Cooperative. Jim was very proud of his career starting as a grounds man, earning his way to Journeyman, Lineman, and Crew Foreman, retiring after 32 years. Jim worked numerous nights and weekends, which included the winter storm of 1969, to make sure KEC families had electricity and heat whenever power lines went down.

Jim bowled for many years with his coworkers and friends which included his father-in-law, Tom Anthony, on the KEC Bowling team. He was also a lifetime member of the Elks Brotherhood. After retirement, Jim produced a terrific vegetable garden sending home his ripe craft with family and friends.

Jim enjoyed classic cars, restoring the family car, a 1967 Pontiac Bonneville, and his 1955 Chevy Apache. He looked forward to his daily lunch visits over these past 23 years with his son, Jimmy. An avid sports fan later on in life, Jim could be found in his recliner watching events along with his trusted dog and companion, Mikey, by his side. Whenever family or friends came for a visit, he can be remembered saying "There's a cold one in the fridge."

Coeur d'Alene is where Jim met the love of his life, Sally Anthony, marrying on Sept. 1, 1957. Jim and Sally were the "Epitome of Cool" in their '55 Chevy Bel Air. They lived in town, moving to Dalton Gardens in 1964, and together raising their three children. Jim was quite supportive and proud of his children's' and grandchildrens' activities and accomplishments.

Jim was a giving person, always willing to help any way he could. He deeply missed Sally, his wife of 46 years, and now they are together again.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Sally; parents Herb and Emma Jackson; Elton and Belva Pierson; in-laws Tom and Fern Anthony; and brother, Artie Pierson.

Jim is survived and loved by his sister, Shannon Hill, of Spokane; son and daughter-in-law James and Gigi Pierson of Hayden Lake; daughters and sons-in-law Tammi and Dan Randles of Clarkston, Wash., and Cheri and Andy Embry of Athol; brothers and sisters-in-law Tom and Gayle Anthony, and Steve and Robin Anthony of Coeur d'Alene; five grandchildren: Matt, Nick, Kelsey, Danny and Courtenay; several nieces and nephews; and best friend, Ron Weaver, of Ada, Mich.

"Jim was a prince and a fighter, and we know his songs of pain and beauty in the world will fill many people with the incredible joy he felt for life. Long live the beauty that comes down and through onto all of us."

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Kootenai Humane Society or Elks Benevolent Order 1254.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, at Yates Funeral Home, 744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene. The service will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 1, also at Yates Funeral Home.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Elton's online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.