James Martin "Jim" Erdman

1934 - 2018

James Martin Erdman, a 59 year resident of Colville, WA passed away on March 7, 2018 in Spokane. Jim was born on August 3, 1934 in Lind, the son of Fred and Elsie (Sauer) Erdman.

He moved with his family to Chewelah and then to Valley where he attended school.

In 1952, at the age of 18, Jim was employed by Northwest Magnesite Company of Chewelah as a Tram Operator at the Red Marble and Keystone quarries rotating day, swing, and night shifts.

In 1955, he met Irene Hamilton at Colville Assembly of God and they were married March 1, 1957.

Being drafted into the U.S. Army on May 3, 1957, he served honorably having received a Good Conduct Medal and a commendation of Marksman (Rifle). His training at Fort Knox, KY as a Track Vehicle Mechanic proved most helpful for his future employment. In December, 1957, Jim was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia until his discharge on May 1, 1959.

Upon returning home he purchased a house and returned to the Northwest Magnesite Company until it is closed operations. He then worked in local rock quarries drilling and dynamiting rock.

In September, 1959, Jim was employed by Fred Draper at the ranch in Colville until August 31, 1962. He operated farm machinery including a TD9 Caterpillar dozer which he enjoyed operating. Steam rolling grain and feeding the cattle and hogs for marketing was a rewarding time for him.

While at the ranch, Jim and Irene began their family with the birth of Randall "Randy" Martin on December 23, 1960.

From September 15, 1962, to December 30, 1966, Jim was employed at the City of Colville Street Department as a mechanic and truck driver. It was during this time that he purchased a house on North Main Street in Colville for his growing family with the birth of his son, Ronald James on November 8, 1963.

Jim was employed at the Washington State Department of Transportation in Colville from January 1, 1967 as an Equipment Mechanic until he retired September 1, 1989.

In the summer of 1972, the family moved to the Arden area on the 12 Mile Road. Then in May, 1984 he purchased a house with acreage on Kitt Narcisse Road east of Colville. Here he continued his hobby of raising horses and raising hay for their feed. He planted several tamarack seedlings; keeping them watered and watching them grow year after year.

Jim enjoyed the outdoor life whether it was hunting deer, elk or grouse with his family and friends. He truly was a marksman with his .308 rifle. Another enjoyment of being in the woods was picking gallons of huckleberries. He also enjoyed going out, cutting firewood, hauling it home, and stacking it very neatly in the woodshed.

Jim faithfully and loyally cared for his wife and sons as he believed in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jim is survived by his wife, Irene; his two sons, Randall (Janice), and Ronald; grandchildren Jaymi (Daniel) Allenbaugh, Brandon (Cathy) Erdman; great-grandchildren Sydney, Kayleb, MacAlyster "Mac" Erdman and Mason Allenbaugh.

He is also survived by his siblings: Betty Christiansen, Lester (Linda) Erdman, Judy (Ken) Ely, Gerald (Gladys) Erdman and numerous nieces and nephews.

Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory have been entrusted with the arrangements.