James Edward "Jim" Clovis passed away Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at Evergreen Estates of Clarkston, at age 95. Jim was born July 14, 1922, to Clyde and Christina Clovis, at home in Craigmont. He was the sixth son out of nine - 11 siblings in total. His brother, Lawrence, passed away at age 2. Jim and his other siblings attended and graduated from Craigmont High School.
After high school, Jim was drafted for military service. His choice of service was the U.S. Army. After finishing boot camp, Jim served for 38 months in the European theater in the 91st infantry division, 11th Armored Division-Ardennes, in Rhineland and Central Europe. He was honorably discharged Jan. 6, 1946.
After discharge from the Army, Jim attended the University of Idaho and graduated in 1948 with a degree in accounting. He was subsequently employed in the Bursar's Office. In 1950, a job offer came his way. "It was in Hawaii, not Moscow," Jim said. "It didn't take me long to make the decision to move." So the Craigmont native packed up his belongings and flew off to the island paradise. It was a move that lasted more than 60 years.
During his career, he worked as a tax accountant, earned his CPA certificate and pursued a successful career as a corporate tax accountant. He retired in 1984 but kept busy with his hobbies of listening to music and working on his computer, which included gathering photos and music for family members. In 2011, Jim moved back to the mainland to an independent apartment at Evergreen Estates in Clarkston to be near many beloved family members, where he lived the last seven years.
In recent years, he was recognized for his years of service in World War II, when in 2013 he and his brother, Rufe, traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend the Inland NW Honor Flight. Also, in March 2017, Jim received a "Quilt of Valor" from the American Legion Auxiliary women of Craigmont.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; 10 siblings, Gladys, Alta, Philip "Brick," Joseph "Joe," Clyde "Curly," Lawrence, Glenn, Dale "Rufe," Alan and Robert; and his good friend, Merle Eilers. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.
A military graveside service will be held at a later date at Punchbowl, the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. Arrangements have been entrusted to Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home and Crematory of Lewiston.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory may be sent to Craigmont Fire Department, P.O. Box 250, Craigmont, ID 83523; llo-Vollmer Historical Society, P.O. Box 61, Craigmont, ID 83823; and the University of Idaho Foundation, 875 Perimeter Drive, MS3143, Moscow, ID 83844-3143.
