James Richard Degon

Jim, the eldest of nine, was born April 13, 1934, in Huntington Park, California to James and Vivian (nee Auger) DeGon.

Jim was devoted to lifelong learning. He attended St. Anthony's Seminary, served as a pilot in the Marine Corps, and then graduated from Gonzaga University. While seeking his fortune in San Francisco, Jim met the love of his life, Ann (nee McGoldrick). Theirs was a whirlwind courtship, marrying within six months of meeting. Returning to Spokane, he briefly worked for Gonzaga, before accepting a position from Kaiser to work in Ghana, West Africa as a computer analyst. This opportunity allowed his young family to explore a new culture. After two years, Jim and Ann returned to the United States and settled in Hingham, Massachusetts, where Jim started a consulting business. Later the family moved to Phoenix, AZ, and Modesto, CA, before settling back in Spokane, the city of his childhood. Jim enjoyed researching his family’s history, while watching the planes taking off and landing across the Spokane River from Felts Field. Jim loved the puzzle that genealogy presented; newly discovered connections and amazing stories would often happily be shared among family.

Married nearly 61 years, Jim and Ann were blessed with six children, eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, of whom they are proud and expect wonderful things.

His friends and family will remember him as a kind, joyful, and generous friend.

The family would like to thank his friends for flowers and donations, or in lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made in Jim’s honor to www.FranciscanFathers.com.

Professional services will be provided by Hazen and Jaeger Funeral Home.