Obituary of James Lee Birkeland

JAMES LEE BIRKELAND April 16, 1950 – March 12, 2022 Jim was born April 16, 1950 at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Washington. He is preceded in death by both his parents, Roger Olaf Birkeland (Korean War Vet) and Doris Birkeland (Stramara) and a brother, Roger Dale Birkeland, as well as a precious great-granddaughter, Ella. Jim is survived by: Three children: Tamara Collingwood, Leann Molnar and Jim Birkeland, Jr.; Seven grandchildren: Ryan, Jeffrey, Kristi, Thomas, Christopher, Tyler and Trevor; Seven great grandchildren: Seena, Silas, Dainon, TJ, Grayson, and twins Scarlette and Everette. Two sisters, Linda Frank and Paula Dunn Jim went to North Hollywood High School in Hollywood, California where he met and married Kathleen Ann, mother of his three children. In his younger years he worked as an automotive painter and enjoyed tinkering in the garage. Later he worked for Ford Motor Company as a parts serviceman. Jim went on to travel and saw the United States through the windows of truck driving, filled our hearts with stories, was a true movie buff and had a mind full of trivia and jokes! He filled family and friends with laughter as he walked through life, was called, “Scooter Jim” when he could no longer walk and was known as “Pa Pa Jim” to friends and family . He loved playing games with his great grandchildren and fellow residents and family – he was a kid at heart. He enjoyed all his drop-in visits and the daily phone calls by so many showing their great love over him. He continually shared what he had with others and taught all how to walk thorough medical adversities “one day at a time” with a true “Viking Spirit”. A graveside memorial will take place in Minnesota in summer. The family expresses thanks to all the loving caregivers at The Lodge at Bristol Heights in CDA, Idaho as well as Auburn Crest Hospice, North Idaho. In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to Auburn Crest Hospice, 1221 W. Ironwood Dr, #102, 83814 Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.