Jim Toomey

“Follow me” are words remembered by many who skied over the years with Jim Toomey, words that echo in our minds as we say good-bye to a dear and valued friend, companion, father and grandfather. 

James C. Toomey Sr. skied his last run at the age of 87, hanging up the boards but not his enthusiasm for life until last Tuesday, March 4, 2014 in Sandpoint, ID when he quietly slipped away from us at the age of 91. Jim was born on December 21, 1922 in Red Lodge, MT to the late James and Mary Ada Stiles Toomey. Skiing became a lifelong passion begun at an early age in an effort to regain his strength from a bout with polio. Barely able to walk, he strapped on skies to flounder down a pasture hillside in regeneration of his mobility and body. He went on to become an avid outdoorsman and athlete playing team sports at Kingston High School, Kingston, ID where he graduated in 1941. 

At the start of WWII and barely out of his teens, Jim began his first entrepreneurial efforts when he contracted to haul lumber into Farragut Naval Station. Starting with just one truck he soon had two, requesting his father to keep the trucks running when he left to serve his country in the United States Army. Starting with basic training at Camp Hale, CO and the 10th Mountain Division, Jim became a highly decorated war hero serving in some of the toughest campaigns of WWII in Italy. He received a field commission and was awarded several medals: a Purple Heart Ribbon, the Silver Star Metal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Ribbon with 1 Bronze Service Star and a gold watch presented to him personally from General Patton.

Jim, never retiring, always keeping a hand in the timber industry and land development, could be seen of late about town in a daily routine of coffee at Dub’s, picking up mail from the post office and reading the Wall Street Journal at the public library. Taking long drives to Montana he continued to peruse land and development possibilities with wife Margaret. These times were recounted as his most memorable in later years. 

Jim is fondly remembered by his loving wife of 68 years, Margaret V. Hunt Toomey of Sandpoint, ID and his sister Ila A. Toomey Watts of Coeur d’Alene, ID. He is further survived by 3 children: James C. Toomey Jr. of De Borgia, MT, Kathleen Toomey of Moscow, ID, and Teresa Olson and her husband Dale of Rathdrum, ID. Also are three grandchildren, Chad Summers of Priest River, ID, Tara Olson Kidd of Coeur d’Alene, ID, and Rory Olson of Lynnwood, WA, along with seven great grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank all who gathered these last few weeks in loving support, giving of their time and selfless love, be it both staff and fellow residents from The Bridge at Sandpoint and Life Care Center next door. Also thank you to the Bonner General Hospital, specifically the physical therapists, nurses, and doctors.  Please know we are grateful and graciously in your debt.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at The Lodge at Sandpoint, 41 Lake Shore Drive, Sagle, ID with a “Celebration of Life” to follow next door at Forty-One South, both are located immediately south of the Sandpoint Long Bridge. Online condolences may be expressed through James’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers are welcome with Idaho Panhandle Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 1191, Sandpoint, ID 83864 www.iphfh.org as Jim and Margaret’s preferred community support organization.

Jim was notorious for skiing out-of-bound in search of that first perfect turn in deep powder snow, forever giving chase with the Ski Patrol. Dedication of “Toomey’s Trail” just off the top of the quad, in the north bowl, finally resolved needing to chase Jim down for skiing out-of-bound. Yet he lived all of his life out-of-bound, right up to the last turn, and had a “hell of a fun run” doing so. Thank you, Jim, we all followed gladly.