James Vernon "Jim" Mach

In Loving Memory

James Vernon (Jim) Mach

James Vernon (Jim) Mach, son of James Benjamin Mach and Ida Anna Wilhelmine Beuch, entered into rest on January 21, 2026, at the age of 91. Jim was born on May 19, 1934, in New Prague, Minnesota, where he graduated from New Prague High School in 1952 and then attended Mankato State University. In 1954, he began his 20-year Air Force military career as a navigator, achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel and continuing his graduate studies at the University of Maryland and University of Omaha. Jim logged 9,998 flying hours doing special operations over Germany, Turkey, Iran, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. He flew 114 combat missions in an AC-130 gunship during the Vietnam War, earned the Distinguished Flying Cross three times, and received the Air Medal eight times.

After his honorable discharge in 1974, Jim attended Eastern Washington University where he completed his teaching credentials and began a 20-year career at Mary Walker School District in Springdale, Washington. Jim taught every grade with the exception of kindergarten, first and second, and also taught driver's education and coached high school wrestling and JV basketball and football. He amassed a large red and black wardrobe – Go Chargers! – and many lifelong friends.

Jim was known throughout the community as the guy who called BINGO at the American Legion Hall and Chataqua. He also organized and coached for the VFW Boys and Girls Basketball League, VFW Girls Softball League, and Junior Golf Summer Camp - a dedication that encompassed two generations. He logged countless hours as a volunteer basketball referee on Saturday mornings. Community service was his calling. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, and St. Mary of the Rosary Church. He was also instrumental in establishing the Walt Goodman Historical Society and spent countless hours at the museum. He served the City of Chewelah as a two-term councilman and was chosen as the Honored Citizen in 1982.

Jim married Monna Laverne Newbury on August 12, 1956, in Chewelah, Washington. Together, they raised four children and lived in five states and one foreign country. Jim was preceded in death by his parents James and Ida, and his siblings Wally Mach and Marlene Olsen. He is survived by his sister, Carol Benthiem, his wife of 69 years, Monna Mach, daughters, Chris Carpenter (Walt), Joan Mach (Ted), and Susan Mach (Bruce), and son, Stephen Mach, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Jim spent countless hours at the American Legion Post 54 and coordinated military funerals and Memorial Day observances throughout the county. He enjoyed reading, golfing, fishing, time spent at Waitts Lake, family gatherings, chocolate, and polka music. In his final days, he held onto the love of his family and left this world grateful for their support.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.