James Martin ELLIOT

James Martin Elliott, 97, passed from this life on August 14th, 2025. He was the widower of Doris Surplus Elliott, with whom he shared 69 years of marriage.

Born in Pocatello, Idaho, Jim was the son of Lawson A. Elliott and Bertha Wyatt and attended school in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He worked as a seaman in the Merchant Marine for 30 months, and was in Okinawa, Japan at the end of World War II. Then he joined the United States Air Force, serving in weapons maintenance, retiring with over 24 years of service in 1970 with the rank of Chief Master Sargeant.

As a young man, Jim worked beside his father, learning the skills to become a chef in the restaurant business. After his military service he returned to the kitchen, furthering his passion for cooking to the delight of many that enjoyed his smoked ribs and delicious, experimental fudge.

Jim was a member/attendee of Dishman and Crestline Baptist Churches in Spokane, with a special interest in missionary work. He enjoyed filling the pulpit when needed, sharing his love of the Lord in a very practical way. Even during his years living in Japan and the Philippines, he was quick to answer the call to preach.

Fishing was a favorite pastime, both catching and cooking, with a strong enthusiasm for eating catfish. He will also be remembered for a skill he developed in his last few years – loom knitting. Many of his hand-made stocking caps were donated to Spokane's homeless population, often making trips downtown to hand them out. Jim will be remembered for his abundant generosity, quirky sense of humor, his passion for corgis, and the love of music, often singing right out loud to share the song that was currently in his heart.

Jim is survived by daughters, Carol and Barbara, with husbands, Tom and Tracy; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Doris; and son, Jimmy.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 24th, 2:00 PM, (14:00 hours), at Solista Spokane, formerly Harvard Park, 1616 E. 30th Ave., on South Hill. Memorial donations/in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Crestline Baptist Church; Fresh Soul Restaurant, a non-profit with a mission for training youth for the restaurant business at 3029 E. 5th Ave.; and the Spokane Humane Society.