West eulogized for his leadership of Spokane

Jim West was remembered Friday by hundreds of friends and family as a tireless champion of Spokane and a leader who emphasized service over the trappings of office.

“There is a tremendous leadership void to fill in this community,” said Spokane County Commissioner Todd Mielke, a former aide and later a legislative colleague of West. “He taught me that good public policy is good politics, not the other way around.”

West, who died last Saturday, was a loyal and forgiving friend with “one of the finest political minds I’ve ever known,” said his former wife, Ginger Marshall.

“He was driven to make Spokane the best place to live, work and play,” she said.

Although they divorced after about five years of marriage, they remained friends and had lunch about three weeks ago before an operation both thought would be routine surgery. It turned out not to be, and West, who had battled colon cancer for more than three years, died of complications from the surgery.

West’s 25 years in elective office were lionized by elected leaders and political staffers who streamed into the Life Center Church on the western edge of Spokane. An American flag flew from the ladder of a Spokane Fire Department truck extended above the church parking lot, and a Washington State Patrol honor guard posted the colors at the front of the church. A slide show featured pictures of West with business and political leaders interspersed with photos of him with senior citizens, children and his staff.

Mayor Dennis Hession read a city proclamation honoring him, and Sen. Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla, said West studied books written by great leaders in an effort to be a better one himself.

“I believe Jim was the consummate public servant,” Hewitt said.

But it was the personal glimpses of West, whom Marshall called “the most private public figure you’ll ever meet,” that seemed to most move the crowd to laughter or tears.

West had a great sense of humor but was “totally unable to deliver a joke,” said Craig Vogel, a legislative lobbyist who knew him for years. In time, other legislators refused to give him a joke for his annual comedy night for fear that he’d ruin it.

And he didn’t have rhythm, said Betsy Wilkerson, who became his “sanctuary buddy” at Bethel AME Church, which West started attending more than a year ago.

“Watching him go through his trials and tribulations was an inspiration to us,” Wilkerson said. “Jim had soul, but he couldn’t keep the beat to save his life.”

Except for an exclamation of disgust by a self-styled political activist, who shouted from the back of the large church then ran out of the doors, there were only a few, measured references to the controversy that forced West from office. He lost his “dream job” of mayor last year, when city voters recalled him for misusing his office.

Hewitt said that after the recall petition made the ballot, the ever-determined West told him, “I’m going to beat this thing; I’m going to win.”

He kept his spirits throughout the dual challenge of the recall and chemotherapy, telling Deputy Mayor Jack Lynch at one point, “If I believed in reincarnation and I come back, maybe I’ll do it as a publisher.”

The reports that West had misused his office were first published by The Spokesman-Review, and West repeatedly threatened to sue – and perhaps wind up owning the paper – although he never did.

The Rev. Lonnie Mitchell of Bethel AME, who officiated at the service, was one of four pastors who met weekly with West for prayer and Bible study throughout the recall and after he left office. As he came to understand the power of prayer, West prayed for the city, Mitchell said.

“Instead of focusing on the negative, let us focus on the positive things today,” Mitchell told mourners in the massive church that was more than half-filled. “Jim sought peace for the city. We can resolve to be at peace.”