James E. Ferguson, III

James E. Ferguson III - “Jim” to his many friends - was born on June 26, 1938 in Los Angeles California, and passed away on July 26, 2025 in Spokane WA. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, father James E. Ferguson II, and mother Betty (Robards) Ferguson. In 2023, he lost his beloved wife Audrey, his partner of 63 years.

Jim was raised in Oregon, where his family relocated several times; but his fondest memories of Oregon were from the city of Bend where he spent so much time as a child. After high school graduation and a year of college, Jim enlisted in the Army and was assigned to the Czech language division. While he was a young soldier training in Monterey CA, he met his future wife, Audrey Rothstein. They went on to marry in April 1959 then moved to Germany for the next two years of his deployment. After returning to the States, they settled back in Oregon where Jim completed both his Bachelor’s and Masters’ degrees in Geography.

He began his career path as Professor of Geography at Central Oregon College in Bend, going on to become a golf coach at the University of Oregon. He spent time both coaching and teaching in the course of his career. Jim became promoted to the position of Assistant Athletic Director. He was very proud of his career path in coaching and sports and was known for his amazing skills in golf. At one point, he was honored as “Pac-8 coach of the year.” From there he moved to be the Assistant Athletic Director at Arizona State University in Tempe ('84-'87).

In 1987, the family moved to Spokane where Jim accepted the position of Athletic Director for Whitworth University. He was successful in fundraising for golf tournaments there, so when an opening came up in the Development Office to help raise funds for the University’s Centennial Celebration, he accepted the position of Director of Development. Jim’s final career move was to accept another Development position at Belhaven University in Mississippi, where he served for 4 years until his retirement in the year 2000.

Early in life, Jim and Audrey felt such pride when they were blessed with daughter Heather, then later son Randy, both of whom he would so often ‘brag’ about to others. When his granddaughter Stephanie came along, pride filled his life. Grandson Geoffrey followed, both children of Heather and Phil Gady of Spokane; then before long, he and Audrey were blessed with granddaughter Brooke, daughter of Randy and Irene Ferguson of Colorado Springs, CO. Audrey and the children were the joy of his life.

In his time as a parent, Jim loved taking his family on many trips together. He enjoyed taking the children to movies and also spent many hours fishing with them, where he created treasured memories. He also loved spending time with his family as he took them on many travel adventures, with those special days becoming some of his fondest memories. In addition to family moments, he and Audrey also enjoyed creating years of fun memories as they traveled with close friends and extended family. Many trips were taken to Bend, to Montana, Scottsdale AZ and Palm Springs CA. He played dozens of the top golf courses wherever he could and played well. Audrey and her friends would enjoy shopping, while Jim engaged in his favorite sport.

Jim and his family attended several Spokane area churches, including Northview Bible and First Church of the Nazarene. At nearly every church they joined, Jim took great pride in serving as a Sunday School teacher, where he was revered by his students for his Biblical knowledge. He always enjoyed hearing Audrey sing in their various church choirs.

As Jim grew older and retired, he began a long term ‘love affair’ in caring for his two pet Schnauzers; first “Gus” then later “Duffy” both of whom Jim doted on and cared for. When Gus had a serious illness, Jim would drive him to WSU multiple times, for treatments.

Jim’s later years were difficult, as after he lost his precious Audrey, his own health began to spiral with bouts of heart failure then later, cancer as well. He fought bravely, but towards the end, he would say he just “wanted to be with Audrey and Jesus.”

Jim is survived by daughter Heather Gady (Phil); grandchildren Geoffrey & Stephanie. Also son Randy (Irene) and granddaughter Brooke: Sisters Shirley (Cliff) Neufeld; and Martha (Glyn) Brown; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A graveside memorial will be held August 23, 2025 at 12:30 in Spokane Memorial Gardens, 5909 Cheney Spokane Road. Lunch will follow at Long Horn Barbecue, 7611 W. Sunset Hwy, Spokane.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, that a donation be made in Jim’s name to SpokAnimal in memory of him and his beloved pets: Send c/o 710 N. Napa Street, Spokane WA 99202-2867.