James Burdett Dunnington, 87

James Burdett Dunnington, 87, passed away at his home near Bonners Ferry, Idaho surrounded by family on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014, after a brief battle with cancer.

Services will be held on Thursday, Aug. 21 at 1 p.m. at the Bonners Ferry Funeral Home with burial to follow at Grandview Cemetery and a celebration of life at the Eagles Lodge at 4 p.m.

James was born on July 29, 1927, in Walla Walla, Wash., to Jesse and Ada (Whitlow) Dunnington. At a young age he moved to Council, Idaho, with his mother and older brother Robert to the cattle ranch of his grandparents, William and Mary Whitlow.

There he was raised until his teenage years when he moved to California.

After high school he enlisted in the Navy in 1945 upon his discharge from the Navy he returned to the ranch in Council, Idaho.

James met the love of his life and married Peggy Sue Larsen on June 3, 1951, in San Jose, Calif. They had three children, James, Kenneth and Keli. In 1970 he moved his family to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, they moved to Vay, Idaho, in 1976 and to Naples, Idaho, in 1979.

James was married to Peggy for 46 years until her passing in 1997.

In 1998 James met Karyn South. She became his loving companion for 16 years until his death.

James worked as a truck driver for Western Gillette Inc. and then for Convoy Company where he was a highly respected driver and earned many safe driving awards. He retired in 1980.

James enjoyed hunting, fishing and being in the outdoors. He enjoyed his family and loved to barbecue at family gatherings. He was a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

James was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Peggy Sue, and son Kenneth William.

He is survived by his loving companion Karyn South; his son James and wife Chery; daughter Keli and husband Brian; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Dunnington of Fort Bidwell, Wash.; and sisters Gloria Kolesar of Salinas, Calif., and Shirley Scothia of Modesto, Calif.

James is also survived by his “loving adopted daughters” and many close friends.

He will always remain in their hearts and be greatly missed. “We love you – until we meet again,” they wrote.

Family and friends are invited to sign James’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.