Obituary of Casey James Cox

Casey James Cox “CJ” or “Case” age 19 passed away on January 27^th, 2018 at home in Rathdrum, ID. He was born in Libertyville, IL on March 29^th, 1998 to Valerie Cox. He moved with his family from Wisconsin to Idaho in 2014 where he attended CDA Charter Academy and Lakeland High School. Casey brought joy into the lives of those who knew him, and loved the great outdoors. He aspired to become a gunsmith and worked as an apprentice at Center Target Sports in Post Falls, ID, but his most memorable job was hunting and trapping wild bears in Montana. Casey had numerous work certifications, but also had a passion for creative arts (music, poetry, philosophy, drawing, writing, painting, and photographing wildlife and nature which he enjoyed with his grandmother). He taught himself to speak Russian, to play the keyboard and to play the guitar.

Casey’s diverse interests and time with family allowed him to travel all over the United States including favorite destinations like Yellowstone National Park, Millennial Park in downtown Chicago, the Space Needle in Seattle, mining and panning for gems in North Carolina, and spending time at the ocean in Florida. In his short life he had visited Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, West Virginia, Michigan, Montana, Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington, Illinois, and Georgia.

Aside from travel, his hobbies and interests closer to home included hunting, camping, swimming, and hiking. Casey excelled at martial arts moving up very quickly and attaining a red belt in tae kwon do. He enjoyed horseback riding in the mountains and spoke about learning to ride at English Point.  He was a maniac at dancing as many remember who saw him dance the Cossack Dance at high school filling the room with laughter.

Casey was an unselfish person who gave of his time. Back in South Eastern WI, he volunteered his Saturday mornings helping to organize a food pantry and distribute food for seniors and low-income residents. He also visited many nursing homes where he graciously spent time with elderly people who were so happy to see a young person that cared. In Rathdrum, ID, he volunteered at Halls Little Acres caring for dogs, horses, and other animals. During his high school days at the Charter Academy, he regularly volunteered for student council activities and was often the first to help set up or clean.

Casey is survived by his mother, Valerie Cox, his step-father Josh Voorheis, his grandmother Michelle Cox, his grandfather James Cox, his uncle Eric Cox and his great grandmother Grace Stephenson. He had a special relationship with his cousins, Lily Cox, Max Reilly, Patrick Reilly, and Dylan Reilly who he viewed as his siblings. He was close to his aunt and uncle, Mike and Grace Reilly.  He was much loved by his numerous extended family members. While Casey’s absence in this world leaves a void in the hearts of those who love him, each sunset reminds them that as his life ebbed low on the horizon and disappeared here, it raised on the horizon of heaven where his life continues anew.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, February 17^th at  1:00 pm at Bell Tower Funeral Home 3398 E. Jenalan Avenue, Post Falls, ID 83854 (208) 457-8880.

A memorial service will be held in Wisconsin at a date yet to be decided.