Obituary: Dragoo, James
He was born July 8, 1929 in Spokane to parents James E and Jesse Marie “Sadie” (nee Shoaf), and graduated from Lewis & Clark High School.
Jim started his career as a Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputy, and was promoted to detective, under Sheriff’s Smith and Betlach.
In retirement Jim was also a COPS volunteer.
Following law enforcement Jim worked in the retail business, and became the men’s shoe buyer at the Crescent Department Store.
He then spent the next 30 years as a rep for Florsheim/Weinberg Shoes, earning numerous awards, highlighted by his six “Million Dollar Salesman” and “Salesman of the Year” honors while residing in Bellevue.
Jim was also Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest and National Shoe Travelers Association.
After his third attempt at retirement in Vancouver, WA, Jim was elected Executive Director of the Northwest Market Association, based in Portland, Ore.
Under his leadership it developed into one of the largest market associations on the West Coast.
Jim is predeceased by his parents; sister Marjorie McCreary Saunders; first wife Margery (Stevens) Dragoo and their daughter Margene (Dragoo) Biddle; and second wife Joyce (Heptinstahl).
He is survived by daughters Shirley Dragoo Keenan (Dan) and Carolee Giersdorf (Ed deceased), both of Spokane; sons James E Jr. (Nancy) of San Diego and Jason (Emilie) Dragoo of Spokane; eight grandchildren and four great-grand- children.
Jim’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the entire staff at Providence St. Joseph Care Center for the loving care our father received.
A Memorial Service will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 30 at Heritage Funeral Home, 508 North Government Way, followed by reception at The Ridge Condominium Clubhouse, 178 S Coeur d’Alene Street, starting at 1:30 p.m.
Donations may be made to Providence St. Joseph Care & Rehabilitation Center, 17 E 8th, Spokane 99202.