Jim's obituary

Many of us have fond memories of the late World War II Navy veteran Jim Shepperd, a fixture at veteran-honoring events for decades in Coeur d’Alene. But one from former Coeur d’Alene Councilman Mike Kennedy is hard to beat. Shortly after moving to the Lake City in 1991, Mike met Jim at a Kootenai County Democratic Club luncheon. He was introduced by Jeff Bell, a staffer for then-Democratic U.S. Rep. Larry LaRocco. Jim was sitting a few seats away as Mike ordered clam chowder. The waitress assured Mike that clam chowder was available. Which prompted Jim to pipe up: “Yea, Mike, and you’re in luck. I heard last week they got a new clam!” Mike retold that story on social media after learning that Jim had died in his sleep at his home in Hayden on Tuesday. Quoth Mike: “I still use that line, giving credit to one of the nicest and most patriotic people I’ve ever met in my life.” Jim will be missed this Memorial Day. And at the Fourth of July Parade. And on Veterans Day. And many other occasions/DFO, Huckleberries Friday. More here.