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James CURRAN Obituary
On January 21, 1945, James Thomas Curran was born to Thomas F. and Alicia Curran. He was the third sibling at the time, with 5 more to follow after. He grew up in Spokane Washington and attended Gonzaga Prep, where made lots of friends who he would keep for the rest of his life. After high school, he went into the Air Force (According to him, because he wanted to protect his brother John). After returning, he met his wonderful wife, Theresa Curran. Together they opened up Something Else Deli, and had three children. In order of appearance, they are Galen, Erin, and Jimmy. Much further down the line, he also had a total of four grandchildren, Justina, Collienne, Maxwell, and Ted. He was an incredible man who spent most of his time doting on his wife and trying his best to help others in any way he could. He will be missed dearly by his friends and family, and perhaps even by some of you finding out through this obituary. To these people I extend my condolences that you found out this way. He passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning of Sunday, October 22nd, 2023. The family will be holding a memorial service for a celebration of his life after the New Year, as he would be fairly peeved at them if they let his passing get in the way of a decent holiday season.
For those of you who prefer to follow tradition, in lieu of flowers, Jim would appreciate it more if you were to consider donating to Gonzaga Prep instead. Or pour yourself a dark beer and a shot of Tullamore Dew, and tell a story about him that brings joy and laughter to those around you. He would like that a lot.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James CURRAN
Bobbi (BJ Llittle) Mackleit
February 24, 2024
My dad (Bob Little) and I (Bobbi aka BJ (Little) Mackleit) just read about your passing in the Gonzaga Prep magazine that comes out 1 or 2x a year. My memory is pretty awful but there are a couple things I do remember: Jim and Theresa are my godparents; my sister Lynda and I snuck into Galen's room when she was napping in her crib and we woke her up; Galen went to G-Prep after me (graduated 89').
Jim and Theresa are the first family friends I have any memory of. I have the family albums with pictures of them at our home on Long Lake. Based off the pictures, my sister and I were pretty sure there were good and wild times when the Curran's were over. Jim and Theresa were family to us before I had a relationship with my grandparents and cousins.
My parents, Bob and Faymarie, have been divorced and remarried for a little over 20 years. My dad lost his wife of 19 years in May of 2023. He is now in an assisted living facility that we refer to as "The Resort." He is deteriorating with dementia and uses a walker or wheelchair 100% of the time. As a result, he can't boat or fish...but he can buy a brand new red pickup over the phone...and so he did.
My mom is ridiculous! She's undergone several surgeries including a 9hr surgery where 2 metal rods were put in and screwed to her spine. 3 days later she underwent another 5hr surgery to move some of the screws that looked too close to her heart. My mom is still a bity little thing that runs a chainsaw, drives a backhoe, and defies all things reasonable! I will be sharing this news of James passing with my mom immediately following my message here.
My wish for you all is that you never forget the joy of Jimmy because I'm pretty sure he'll be the one throwing the party for us as we enter the gates of Heaven!
Justin and Linda Moody
November 9, 2023
We are so sorry to hear of his passing. We hope to attend the memorial. Prayers for you and yours.
Washington State
November 6, 2023
Thank you for your service to our country. Rest In Peace.
Maggie Crabtree
November 5, 2023
I think of your gregarious and hard working dad smiling and visiting with each and every Something Else Deli guest. It has always been clear how much his wife, family, and his faith meant to him. I am so sorry for your loss.
Steven Akerhielm
November 5, 2023
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Roisin and Dan Bradlwy
November 5, 2023
So sorry for your loss, Galen, Adam, Max, and Teddy.
Paula (Peirone) Hartley
November 5, 2023
Jim, I am so sorry for your families loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
David Eyre
November 5, 2023
I met James in 2017 after I wrote a book about the parochial school he attended - St. Anthony and Holy Ghost. We had a big reunion in August 2017 and James and all 7 of his siblings were in attendance. The photo I share is from that reunion and here is the story - Betty Ries, Clyde Ries, Jim Curran this photo makes me chuckle and here is the story - In the spring of 2017 Clyde Ries (in orange shirt) called me about my book project. He shared a story about a kid that went up to Sr Gratia (sometime in the 1950s) to show her his artwork. Sister Gratia would say "spit on it" if she didn't like your work. Sister Gratia didn't like the offering and told the kid "Spit on it!" Then the kid actually spit on the artwork! Sister Gratia chased the kid around the room. Clyde said that the kid was Jim Curran - the bearded guy on the right. Jim approached me at the reunion and told me I had a story wrong in the book. It was not Jim Curran who spat on the artwork but a 1956 grad by the name of Gary Sodorff. Clyde had the story wrong. By the look of the photo, I don't think Jim holds the error against Clyde!
Chuck Van Marter
November 5, 2023
Thoughts are with Theresa. Jimmy was just one of the Best and will be missed. Tom and Alicia were so proud of him and deservedly so, Be at peace Jimmy
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