James Henry COSNER

1940 - 2022

James Henry Cosner "Uncle Jimmy" was born in Chewelah, Washington September 18, 1940, to parents Alfred Cosner and Mary (Turk) Cosner. As a child, his family moved to Spokane Washington, residing in Morgan Acres. He attended Arlington Elementary and graduated from John R. Rogers High School. Jim joined the U.S. Army and was trained as an aircraft mechanic. After completing his training, he was stationed in Alabama, which he did not find enjoyable. Due to his desire to leave Alabama, he volunteered to transfer to Vietnam, arriving there in 1961. He was assigned to the surveillance wing of the 73rd Surveillance Aviation Company at Sa Dec, Vietnam until he was honorably discharged in 1964.

After his separation from the Army, Jim accepted a job in Texas to work on aircraft, returning to Spokane when his mother was diagnosed with cancer. Jim began working for Kaiser Aluminum-Trentwood and remained there for more than 30 years until retirement amidst the strike and lock-out.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman who hunted, fished, and camped with his family. His interest in all mechanical things leads to several years of racing cars with his brother Don Cosner. They began racing on the dirt with an off-road rail and eventually settled in at the Spokane Fairgrounds Speedway. Jim raced in several classes which included Claimers, Jalopies, and Hobby Stocks. Jim's interests also included snowmobiling, and attending NASCAR events.

Jim's greatest achievements began in 1975 when his brother Don was killed in a car collision. He provided an immeasurable amount of support, guidance, and love to his brother's children; Kevin, Scott, and Carmen. They could always depend on him for advice, assistance, and everything else you would get from a parent, and always a little more-unconditionally, without judgment. Jim championed their goals and careers as leading consultants in their lives.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother Mary, father Alfred, brother Don and a few great friends Pat Rankin, Tom Dry, and Charlie Hensrud. He is survived by his grateful nephews and niece Kevin Cosner, Scott Cosner and Carmen Cosner-Steele, Scott Steele, and great-nieces and nephew Hannah Steele, Kate Steele, Gavin Steele, and Rebecca Cosner.

Jim will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with his immediate family at Holy Cross Cemetery. Extended family and friends are invited to celebrate his life on June 24, 4:00 pm-7:00 pm at "The Venue" located directly behind Snoop's Saloon in Spokane-his favorite watering hole. Please visit his online memorial page at www.holycrossofspokane.org to leave a message of condolence or remembrance.