James E. FERGUSON III

James E. Ferguson III, "Jim" - was born on June 26, 1938 in Los Angeles, CA, and passed away on July 26, 2025 in Spokane, WA. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James E. Ferguson II & Betty (Robards) Ferguson; as well as his beloved wife of 63 years, Audrey.

Jim was raised all over Oregon but his fondest memories were from Bend where he spent so much time as a child. After graduation and a year of college, Jim enlisted in the Army. While training in Monterey, CA, he met his future wife, Audrey Rothstein. They married 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 as a Geography Professor within the Oregon colleges, he then segued into a position as the golf coach at the University of Oregon, and was eventually promoted to the position of Assistant Athletic Director.

In 1987 they moved to Spokane where Jim became the Athletic Director for Whitworth University. Having led many successful fundraiser-golf tournaments, Jim was excited to accept the position of Director of Development where he helped to raise funds for the University's Centennial Celebration. Jim's final career move was to accept another Development position at Belhaven University in Mississippi, where he served for 4 years and retired in 2000.

Jim and Audrey were blessed with two children. Audrey and the children were the joys of his life.

Jim loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed taking the children to movies and fishing with them, he also took the family on many travel adventures. He and Audrey also enjoyed creating years of fun memories as they traveled with close friends and extended family, along the way Jim played dozens of the top golf courses wherever he could.

Jim attended several Spokane area churches, including Northview Bible and First Church of the Nazarene. Jim often served as a Sunday School teacher, where he was revered by his students for his Biblical knowledge.

Later in life, Jim cared for his two pet Schnauzers; first "Gus" then later "Duffy" both of whom Jim doted on.

After he lost Audrey, his own health began to spiral with bouts of heart failure then later, kidney 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 at 12:30pm, on August 23, 2025, at 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.