James John Starr

James John Starr (Jim Starr) was born in Albany, New York February 8th, 1947, to James John Starr and Elsie V. (Hansen) Starr and raised in the Catholic faith and educated in Catholic schools.  He entered the US Army, serving as a chef and fighting in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on May 28th, 1968 as an SP4 E4 (T) and awarded two Vietnam Service Medals, a National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Service Medal. His last duty assignment was at DPG, Dugway, Utah and he served over 4 years in total. He met and married his first wife Susan on June 14th, 1967 in Salt Lake City, Utah and they had two daughters, Christina K and Mary Starr. They were divorced January 11th, 1973 in Pocatello, Idaho. He went on to later marry the love of his life, Lois Fern Starr in Seattle, Washington after meeting in northern California. Together they became a family, and he devoted himself to raising her youngest daughter, Moneka Anne Starr (Krouse), as his own.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife Lois Fern Starr of Moscow, his daughters Christina K and Mary Starr, and his three step-children Cristina Raye Mullen of Seattle, Wash.; Charles Rodney Mullen of Tucson, Ariz., and Moneka Anne Krouse of Westport, Connecticut. He has 3 grandchildren: Natasha Anya Puceta of Seattle; James Angelo Mullen of Tucson; and Austin Caleb Krouse of Connecticut and his beloved Sparky, pet Chihuahua.

Jim supported his family as a businessman, displaying a keen understanding of finance and people– he was outstanding in sales, and progressed to hold a variety of management positions, including leading finance departments and general management roles at various automotive dealerships in the Northwest.

Jim’s military service was a defining moment in his life, and he was empathetic to service men and women and a proud supporter of our troops. His family remembers him as a generous man always willing to be there for those in need, regularly giving food and groceries to others before the holidays. He also was an animal lover. When his wife Lois’s parents were ailing, he moved to Moscow to support her in their care and was a compassionate care giver. When his mother-in-law Fern Tobiska lost her husband Archy, he brought her a new pet Sparky that brought her comfort.

Jim always had a great sense of humor, maintained a positive mental attitude, and was an inspiration in how to face and overcome an illness. We were blessed by his love, his humor, his care for his family.

Jim Starr passed away on March 5th, 2021, due to complications from COVID-19, with his family gathered around him at Gritman Medical Center in Moscow, Idaho at approximately 11:52 am, surrounded by those he loved, and the nurses and Doctor Singh who had cared for him this past month. Jim, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, is already dearly missed. A viewing will be held at Shorts Funeral Home on Tuesday March 9th from 12-6pm and graveside service on Wednesday March 10th at 11am at Moscow Cemetery. All are welcome to pay their respects to Jim.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Humane Society of the Palouse in his honor.

RIP Jim Starr, beloved husband, father and grandfather.