Ja Oscar Shines Sr.

Hearts were overjoyed with the birth of Ja Oscar Shines Sr. Oct. 29, 1932, in Fort Towson, Okla., to Granson and Martha Shines. Hearts were saddened with his passing on July 17, 2008, in Spokane. He leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Catherine Deloris Shines; his daughters Janice Thompson, Donna Bennett, Patricia Bradford; his son Joseph Shines; 12 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

He is also survived by his siblings Joe Shines Sr., Robert Shines, Franklin Shines, Miree Pope, William Shines Sr., and Charles Shines.

He will be joining his other two children that have preceded to heaven before him: Ja Oscar Shines Jr. and Wanda Ann Shines.

Oscar grew up in Southern Idaho where he unknowingly met his wife-to-be in the fourth grade. He went on to serve his country in the Korean War. After an honorable discharge from the United States Army, he reconnected with the love of his life, “Cat” and married her March 19, 1955, in Pocatello, Idaho. He worked as a nurse’s aide in Southern Idaho while attaining his business administration degree and moved to California where he attained a degree in Electrical Engineering. He moved his growing family to Spokane in 1970. He started his own business repairing electrical equipment and then worked for KSPS in their electronics department. He retired from Deaconess Hospital in 1987 as a biomedical electronic technician at the age of 55. He started his second small business as a handyman after retirement and retired a second time to Moses Lake to focus on fishing, barbecuing and hunting in 1995.

He was a great gift and inspiration to anyone that had the great honor to know him.

The family wishes to thank the staff, nurses, and doctors at Deaconess, Sacred Heart, St. Luke’s And Manor Care for their countless hours of encouragement and support.

A funeral service will be held at Holy Temple Church of God in Christ, 806 W. Indiana, 509-624-0522, Spokane on Friday, July 25 at 11 a.m.