Mildred Devere James

(Age 95)

Passed away September 23, 2016 in Spokane, WA. She was born on March 4, 1921 in Harlem, Montana to William and Marie Sheppard. After graduating from high school in Turner, MT, Mickey went to Sacred Heart Hospital in Great Falls, MT for three years of nurse’s training. After graduating she joined the Army and served for 18 months in Germany. There she met her husband, Herbert James, Jr. and was a member of the first medical team to enter the Nazi Concentration Camp Buchenwald near Weimar, Germany after it was liberated.

She worked as a surgical nurse and a floor supervisor in hospitals in Great Falls, MT, and in doctor and dental offices in Spokane after the family moved to Spokane from Great Falls in 1962. After retiring, Mickey volunteered for years at Holy Family Hospital. She was a great cook, making many of the Dorothy Dean recipes from the Spokane Chronicle and Spokesman Review. For years between Thanksgiving and Christmas she baked all kinds of cookies and candies and her plates of goodies were always welcomed by many neighbors, friends, and family members.

Mickey was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert James, Jr.; and brother Larry Sheppard of Havre, MT. She is survived by three children – Gary (Kathy) of Nine Mile Falls, WA, Larry (Michelle) of Post Falls, ID, and Janet McCain of Cheney, WA; grandsons Chris (Stephanie) of Broomfield, CO, and Kevin (Catherine) of Spokane, WA; great grandchildren Sydney, Connor and Braeden; and her brother Vance Sheppard of Lewistown, MT.

At her request, no services are planned.

Arrangements under the direction of Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home, Spokane, WA.