James “Jim” Eldore, 79, got to discover the final cosmic secrets of the universe on January 25, 2025, when he passed away peacefully at his longtime home in Spokane.
Born on November 15, 1945, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jim grew up in Seattle and graduated from Ingraham High School before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Washington State University. Upon graduating, Jim taught social studies and math in Warden while also coaching baseball and basketball. Later in life, he dedicated his time to working at Sun Ray group home.
One cold winter evening, Jim (a Scorpio sun, Pisces moon) attended a meeting of the Spokane Metaphysical Research Society. There, the stars aligned when group leadership called upon Jim to teach a newcomer named Merrie-Lee Bonner how to create birth charts by hand. Jim and Lee were soon inseparable, spending cozy days rowing on Chapman Lake, enjoying movies and sports, and unraveling the mysteries of existence together. They married in 1989 and remained happily together until Lee’s untimely death in 2006.
In 1991, Jim embarked on his favorite adventure, parenthood, when he and Lee welcomed their only child, Theo James. Jim was a supremely dedicated and supportive father, and took great pride in being a stay at home dad ‘before it was cool.’ He taught Theo how to play folk and protest songs on the guitar, spent countless hours playing catch and tossing Wiffle balls in the driveway, and made sure that every Sunday, the family had their traditional meal of Nalley’s vegetarian chili, multigrain crackers with margarine, and celery. He was a master storyteller and always obliged when begged to “do a voice!” Jim was a fixture at Theo’s games and events, and his unconditional love for his son, even through distance, was a grounding presence and stabilizing force which will be cherished forever.
Jim loved exploring the backroads of the Palouse, which he knew with atlas-like precision, and delighted in taking his family on country road drives–always topped off with a burger and sundae at Zip's. He was a talented pianist who composed his own pieces, and classics like ‘Rain Slipped, Some Stones Skipped’ and ‘Chocolate Mints and Reveries’ soundtracked many an evening in the family home. Also a devoted sports fan, Jim endured the trials of Seattle Mariners fandom while finding more consistent joy in Gonzaga basketball.
As countless medical assistants, pharmacy technicians at Rite Aid, and employees of the old Albertsons on 37th and Grand could tell you, Jim had an extraordinary gift for conversation. He could talk to anyone, and those who engaged with him were rewarded with his gentle nature, sharp wit, and perspective that often carried a touch of the fantastic. An old hippie at heart, Jim accepted everyone as they came and strove to make the world a more peaceful place. He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed.
Jim is survived by his son, Theo Eldore; his sister, Barbara Brennan; and his niece, Carol Bradford. He was preceded in death by his wife, Merrie-Lee Bonner; and his parents, Royce and Virginia Eldore.
As we come to terms with Jim's absence, we find comfort in one of his favorite quotes, which he often credited to the 'esteemed philosopher' Mick Jagger: “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need.”
In lieu of flowers, please remember Jim by seizing the next opportunity to make a pun (particularly if it’s a bit ribald), treating yourself to a bag of the good jelly beans, and—most importantly—frequently and unabashedly telling your loved ones how much you care about them.
Goodnight, Dad. Get a good sleep. I love you.
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