William “Willie” Jimenez

William “Willie” Jimenez, age 83, passed away August 21, 2016 at home, surrounded by his family. Willie was born in Los Angeles, Calif. on May 13, 1933 to William and Anita Jimenez. His friends dared him to ask this beautiful young woman named Lillian Endow to go for a walk and she became his wife and best friend for 66 years.

Willie entered the U.S. Air Force at the young age of 19 and served in California and England from 1952 to 1956. His attention to detail gained him a career as a painter for Cook Brothers and Greens Industrial Painting. However, he took most pride in his work as the Head Custodian for the Los Angeles Unified School District, where he won the hearts of his students and teachers. He retired in 2004 and moved to Bonners Ferry.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents William and Anita Jimenez, and his sister Ana Lopez.

Willie is survived by his wife Lillian Jimenez at the home in Bonners Ferry, siblings Benny Jimenez, Las Vegas, Nev,, Diana Jimenez, Los Angeles, Calif., Darrell Jimenez, Boyle Heights, Calif., Barbara (Mario) Vela, Chino, CA, sons William Steve (Sharon) Jimenez, Midvale, UT, Michael Jimenez, Palm Springs, CA, Jerry Jimenez, Bonners Ferry, Idaho and daughters Kelly Jimenez, La Vern, Calif., and Kimmy (Tony) Bustillos, Covina, Calif.. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Jerry (Sarah) Jimenez Jr., Brian (Andrea) Jimenez, Stephanie Jimenez, Matthew Bustillos, and Emma Rademacher, as well as his precious great-grandchildren Diego Jimenez, Santiago Jimenez, Alex Jimenez and Mateo Jimenez.

Willie enjoyed photography and was passionate about his family, bowling, western movies and John Wayne.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Bonners Ferry Funeral Home. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016, 11 a.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Memorials in Willie’s name can be sent to the American Legion, Post 55, Attn: Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 996, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805.