James Patrick Kearney

September 06, 1925 - July 05, 2023

James Patrick Kearney Obituary James (Jim/Jimmy) Patrick Kearney passed peacefully to his eternal rest on July 5, 2023 after a long struggle with failing health. Jim was born September 6, 1925 to Bernard James Kearney and Margaret Cecilia Ford in Spokane, WA. He spent his entire life in what is now the city of Spokane Valley. He loved to reminisce about the adventures he and his friends had exploring the then very rural and beautiful farming community they called home. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary's parish. His mother often woke him up at 6:00 AM to serve mass for Father in the little white church just down the street. Jim attended Gonzaga Prep High School and graduated from Central Valley High School in 1943. After graduation Jim joined the Spokane Valley Fire Department where he served 29 years with distinction, holding every position from fireman to acting chief. He was granted permission in 1957 to start the first fire prevention unit in the district. Jim's greatest passion in life was golf. He was a member of the Liberty Lake Golf Club for over 60 years and a charter member of MeadowWood. As a full-time volunteer he planted walnut trees along the fairways on Liberty Lake and MeadowWood golf courses. A walnut tree was dedicated in his honor and is located near the 11th tee box at MeadowWood. Jim harvested the fruit of these trees every year and happily spent the winter months cracking and cleaning walnuts to be given to family and friends in gallon bags. Jim also enjoyed his retirement playing almost every major golf course in the U.S. and Scotland. Watching a golf tournament on TV with Jim was like a trip down memory lane as he recalled his score on every hole. Jim was a great ambassador for golf volunteering to serve as head rules official at countless state high school golf tournaments. We are not sure who adopted who but shortly after joining the fire department Jim became a permanent member of Chuck and Cecilia Schucker's family. They welcomed him as big brother to their children and Uncle Jimmy to their many nieces and nephews. Jim was a great brother, uncle, and friend. His kindness, dry sense of humor and enthusiasm for life will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank Tammy, Taylor, and Josh at Sunshine Health Memory Care for their compassionate care of Jim in his final days. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Barney Kearney his adopted family members, Chuck and Cecilia, Loralene Martell, Barbara Arsenau, and Larry Schucker. He is survived by adopted family members Susan Schucker Dietrich, Keith Schucker (Lindah), Darlene Schucker, Daryl and Marlene Zeis, Gerry and Sue Manfred and their family. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Mike Kwiatkowski at St. Mary Catholic Church 304 South Adams Road, Spokane Valley at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, August 9th with a reception in the parish hall immediately following. A private inurnment will be held at a later time at Fairmount Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations may be made to Vanessa Behan or the Fire Department Benevolent Association. Funeral Mass Wednesday, August 9, 2023 10:00AM St. Mary's Catholic Church 304 S. Adams Rd Spokane Valley, WA 99212 Get Directions View Map Text Email