James Peplinski

James Leonard Peplinski passed away on May 28, 2016 in Post Falls, Idaho after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. Jim was born the sixth of nine children on October 18, 1921 to Nick and Helen Peplinski, in Stanwood, Washington. He started first grade in Leo, Minnesota in a one room school house. His family then settled in Desmet, Idaho in 1937 and he graduated from Plummer High School in 1939. After graduation he worked on the St. Joseph Mission farm while also cutting wood. In January 1941 he joined the Army Air Corps. During one morning formation they were told every 10th man to step forward, he did, so he was sent to bakers and cooks school In January 1942 Jim started training to become a Sergeant Pilot. Then he was sent to Colorado Springs, assigned to the 18th Photo Mapping using B-25 Bombers with special cameras installed. He flew 78 missions in the Mediterranean Theater before leaving the military in January 1946. Before being sent back to the States, Jim was offered Operation Officer of all Austria, with the promise of becoming a Colonel. Although flattered, he decided the military wasn't his style of life. He came back to Spokane and graduated with an accounting degree in three and one half years from Gonzaga University in 1949. He started working part time at Spokane Machinery Company in 1947 as an accountant. While making a company deposit, Jim met Elaine Stenson at Old National Bank and they were married September 4, 1948. He stayed at SPOMAC on the condition he could be part owner. He became sole owner in January 1974. Jim and Elaine lived in the Spokane Valley for 66 years and raised three daughters. His family (and SPOMAC) meant more to him than anything. In 1968 they bought a cabin on Coeur d'Alene Lake and had many fun-filled summers. They loved to travel the U.S. and also went on many cruises. They owned racehorses and enjoyed watching them run at Playfair. Jim liked to bowl and built the bowling alley in Deer Park. He was an avid elk hunter and loved salmon fishing with family in Canada.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Elaine; daughters Robin (Paul) Hueber, Donita Jeffers, Karla (John) Littlefield; grandchildren Sandy (Mike) Gough, Christine (Steve) Cantin, Scott (Cristal) Hueber, Kaitlin (Nick) Velis, Ethan Jeffers and Jamie Littlefield; great-grandchildren Ashley Cantin, Megan Gough and Chad Cantin; one sister Betty Hoskins. Best husband, dad, and Boppa, we will love and miss you forever. Truly one of the greatest generation.
We would like to give a special thanks to Becky and the staff at Timber House for taking such wonderful care of our Dad.
There will be a Memorial Mass Saturday, June 4th, at 1p.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 503 N. Walnut Road, Spokane Valley, WA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jim's memory to Gonzaga University Academic Scholarship Fund, 502 E. Boone Ave., Spokane, WA 99202 or the Union Gospel Mission, 1224 E. Trent Ave., Spokane, WA 99202.