Jimmy Ray Queen

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of Jimmy Ray Queen age 81. He passed away peacefully in his home in the Spokane Valley on August 26, 2021 with his loving wife by his side.

Jimmy was a loving husband, father and grandfather as well as a friend to many. He was born in Cumi, AR on August 18, 1940, to his parents, the late Oscar and Beulah Queen. His family moved to Spokane WA when Jimmy was just 3 years old. He joined the Army National Guard, serving as a heavy equipment officer while still in high school. This allowed for many proud moments of story telling about driving big tanks and playing with the big guns, these memories will always bring a smile to our faces. Upon serving his 2 year commitment in the army he returned to finish high school, graduating from Lewis and Clark in 1960. Jimmy remained in the Army National Guard Reserves for 4 more years. In 1960 Jimmy married Sharon V Funden and was blessed with 5 children. Jimmy’s heart was filled with love for his children and grandchildren and he was loved so much by them in return. He worked as a traveling salesman for S&P Meats for 28 years. In 1976 he fell in love with and married the “Farmer’s Daughter” Sheri Kay Renz. Jimmy and his brother Phil began Royal Food Distributing in 1987 keeping bars, restaurants, and hospitals stocked with food to serve to their patrons throughout Washington, Idaho and Montana. Jim and Sheri hired 3 of his children and had a plentiful family business for 20 years.

As many may remember Jimmy had many hobbies including fastpitch softball, street rods and Nascar. Jimmy along with the semi-pro team, the Suki-Yaki played fastpitch softball across Canada. He went on to play in the softball world tournament in Sun City, AZ and was inducted into the Fastpitch Hall of Fame in 2007. Jimmy somehow found the time and passion to rebuild a 1959 Triumph TR3. He and Sheri enjoyed this car so much that they took it to Banff, Canada to a Rod Run. The car wasn’t a street rod but managed to make the front page of the Banff newspaper. Jimmy loved to drive around and show off this beautiful vehicle he had put so much time into. Jimmy and his brother-in-law Dave Renz shared this passion and worked together to restore and rebuild a 1931 Model A. The two of them could often be found at rod runs and street fairs with their beautiful cars and beautiful wives at their sides. Lost in the 50’s in Sandpoint, ID was a family favorite. Jimmy’s love of cars did not stop at street rods, he also enjoyed watching NASCAR races on TV and traveled to Las Vegas several times to see a live race. The excitement for NASCAR was shared with their good friends Denny and Linda Wederspahn, who often traveled with them to the live events.

Jimmy is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sheri. His daughters Kelly Johnson, Kathleen Queen (BJ), Kimberly Smith (James), and son, James Queen. Grandchildren: Joshua Queen, Jimmy Fross, Draven Smith and Wyatt Hart. Great grandchildren: Khloe Queen, Abigail Fross, Natalie Fross, Zachary Fross and Jacob Fross. Siblings: Paul Queen, AZ, Sharon Crawford, Tacoma, WA, Richard Queen, Spokane, WA, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Jeffrey Queen, siblings, Phillip Queen, Rita Hynes and Teresa Dons.

A memorial service for Jimmy will be held Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Hope Lutheran Church, 17909 E Broadway Ave,, Spokane Valley, WA 99016.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thornhillvalley.com for the Queen family.