Obituary: Rockwell, James Smith
Age 67
Jim was born July 12, 1947 to Franklin D. and Margaret A. Rockwell in Spokane, WA, joining an older sister, Claudia, and brother, Franklin, Jr., and later joined by a younger sister, Robin.
Born into a farming family from Endicott, WA, Jim grew up helping his father on the farm, playing football and basketball, and showing animals at the county fair.
Jim graduated from Endicott High School in 1965 and, upon graduation, continued his education at the University of Idaho.
After graduating with a business degree in December of 1969, Jim returned to the family farm in Endicott.
Jim married Linda Truesdell in 1970 and went on to have one child, Allison.
After several years of working for his father, Jim took over the family farm and ran it until he retired from farming three years ago.
After Jim and his first wife, Linda, divorced in 1995, Jim met Kay Zahn in Spokane.
Jim and Kay were married in June of 1997 and made their home in Spokane.
Jim loved Kay beyond words and they built a wonderful life together complete with two dogs, a cat, and numerous friends.
Jim was a true friend of Bill W. and spent much of his time as a sponsor, mentor, and sobriety coach/counselor to other people who needed help.
Jim truly loved helping people and gave an enormous amount of time to serving others and volunteering at his church.
During his time in AA, Jim helped hundreds, if not thousands, of people with addiction issues.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Kay; and his daughter, Allison Rockwell Tucker; her husband Sam; and two grandchildren: Sydney and Braden.
He is also survived by two step-daughters, Penny Zahn Maddox and her husband David, and Tracy Zahn.
Also surviving are five step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild.
Jim is also survived by his siblings, Claudia Luebbers, Frank Rockwell and his wife Carol, and Robin Cocking and her husband Tom.
Jim’s memorial service will be at ONE Church, 15601 E. 24th, Spokane Valley at 11 am on Thursday, August 21, 2014.
In lieu of flowers, Jim’s family would request donations in his name to the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association.
Please go to www.legacy.com to view obituary and online guestbook.