Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Brewer, James Dwight

Age 68


BREWER, James Dwight
“Jim”

After a short battle with cancer, Jim D. Brewer peacefully passed away at the Spokane Hospice House surrounded by family on August 9th 2012.

Jim was born on March 24, 1944 to Jeanette Macey and Gordon Yamaura.

In 1961 Jim joined the United States Navy spending four years on the USS Henderson.

During a visit home, Jim met his wife of 48 years, Sharon K. Herrmann in Spokane and after a short courtship married on November 27th, 1963.

After four years of active duty, Jim spent eight years in the Navy reserves, during which he began his 35 year career at Columbia Lighting in Spokane.

Jim was always looking for a better way to do something or make things easier for others.


Jim was a competitive spirit enjoying activities with family and friends.

He was an avid bowler spending many nights at Valley Bowl rolling for the elusive 300.

Jim ran 17 straight Bloomsday races - many of which as a member of the Columbia Lighting Corporate Cup team.

He loved to take family and friends (new and old) boating and fishing on local lakes.

Jim raced his way to two club championships during the 1980s as a member of the Spokane Kart Racing Association.

He volunteered his time building the racing facility for all to use.

You could often find Jim at a poker table in Spokane, Las Vegas and his favorite travel location - Reno.

Jim spent the last several years enjoying his passion playing golf as a member of the Meadowwood Men’s Club, winning the club championship the past two years.

One week after his diagnosis, Jim earned his second “hole in one” - a highlight he felt was God sent.

The things that brought Jim the most happiness was time spent with his wife Sharon and helping others in need.


Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers John Collins and Mark Wynne.

He is survived by his wife Sharon Brewer, Spokane WA., Siblings - Dennis (Nancy) Yamaura, Spokane, WA., Kris Bingle, Spokane, WA., Kelly (Gary) Vredenburg, Post Falls, ID., Dale Lewis, Spokane, WA., Matt (Patricia) Wynne, Wellpinit, WA., Pat (Cindy) Collins, Liberty Lake, WA., Joe (Deanna) Collins, Spokane Valley, WA., and many nieces and nephews.

Uncle Jim/Dwight made their lives more memorable.

A visitation will be held Thursday, August 16, 2012 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm at Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Rd., Spokane Valley, WA.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 2:30pm on Friday August 17th at Thornhill Valley Chapel with interment to follow at Pines Cemetery.

In memory of Jim, please look for ways to help others in need.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Spokane.