James Michael Servatius, “Jimmy”, passed away peacefully surrounded by
family at Weiser Care of Cascadia on Monday, March 7 th , 2022 in Weiser
Idaho.
On June 4, 1958, Jimmy was born to Merceda and Dewey Servatius in
Weiser, Idaho. He was the 4 th of 8 children. James had several nicknames;
among them were Jimmy, Jim, King James, Big Jim, and his father’s
favorite, “Bink” or “Binker.”
Jim grew up on the family farm west of Weiser where he lived most of his
life. The family moved to Washington where Jim lived with them in Kent
from 1983–1987, and then in Spokane with the family from 1987–1989.
The family returned to Idaho where Jim remained on the farm until moving
to Weiser Care of Cascadia in February of 2018. Although he had cerebral
palsy it was not a deterrent from living a full life. Doctors told his parents
Jim probably wouldn’t survive past 6 years of age…well, Bink sure showed
them! During his younger years in the Weiser school system, Jimmy
attended special needs programs and later attended Mary Kay school in
Ontario, Oregon. He continued developing life skills with his work at Witco.
Even with the challenges he faced, Jim still managed to do everything his
siblings did; including camping, fishing, school, and working, eventually
“retiring” at age 55.
Jimmy especially loved basketball, bowling, football, and music. He was an
avid fan of the BSU Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks. Jim was a DC
Superstars bowling team member and attended many Special Olympics
with his friends and teammates. He could often be seen practicing his hoop
shots out in front of the home shed and loved when a passerby, neighbor,
family, or friend would stop to challenge him to a game. A couple of special
neighbors that were his regular opponents: Jim “The Sheriff” Johnston,
Gwen Winegar, and Cliff Henry. Bink had a special rock to mark his place
when shooting baskets and had a better free throw average than Shaq.
Jim never met a stranger. Jimmy loved everyone he met and never forgot a
face. Anyone passing by the family home on Jonathan Road was greeted
with a wave and a smile. When you met Jim, you would never forget his
infectious smile and the twinkle in his eye. He was vigilant while waiting for
Cathy, the mail carrier, to deliver the day’s treasures. Jim could be counted
on to wait tirelessly for your arrival if you let him know you were coming for
a visit, sometimes for days in advance.
James loved strumming his guitar and getting everyone to join in a sing-
along while he played. Favorite tunes included John Denver’s “Country
Roads”, “You Are My Sunshine,” “Ring of Fire,” and “Hallelujah” to name a
few. Jim never heard a song he didn’t like and always thought you should
join him in singing along.
Jim’s physical body was bound by limitations, but his involvement,
compassion, and love for helping others were limitless. Jim was very
involved with his church serving in many roles, including setting up and
greeting for the annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner. He also accompanied and
helped his mother working at the church’s food booth during Fiddle Week,
and while she was bookkeeping for St. Agnes, or cleaning the church—Jim
was always there. Jim also offered constant moral support for his mom as
the man of the house after his father passed.
Despite his limitations, Jim’s hearing was impeccable. Much to our dismay
at times, Bink always knew what was going on with everybody’s business
and was always quick to pass along bits of other people’s conversations,
even when some things might have been better left unsaid.
Bink was a source of simple but insightful knowledge, a man of few but
profound words. Notable quotes and wisdom from Jim’s lips included: “It is
what it is, there’s not a whole lot we can do about it”, “Seddle down, seddle
down, seddle down”, “get it get it get it!’, “Listen to your Mom”, “Sorry Mick”,
“Let’s make that a diet Coke”, “Over and out”, “That sounds good, what
would you like to do?”, “we don’t have to go”, “Oh come on…you can stay a
little longer”, and “Wull, that’s what Marty says.”
King James is survived by his siblings; Leslie Moser (Rick) of Weiser, ID;
Jerome Servatius of Boise, ID; Cathy Servatius of Nampa, ID; Vickie
VanNess (Marty) of Weiser, ID; Jeff Servatius (Lana) of Eagle, ID; John
Servatius (Alyssa) of Nine Mile Falls, WA; Joel Servatius (Celine) of Oak
Harbor, WA, and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in
death by his father Julius J. “Dewey” Servatius Jr., (9/24/1989) and his
mother Merceda J. Servatius (5/5/2018), and his sister-in-law Debra S.
Servatius (7/21/2019).
The family expresses its sincere gratitude for all of Jim’s caregivers at
Weiser Care of Cascadia.
Services include a recitation of the Rosary March 17 th , 2022 – 7 pm at St.
Agnes Catholic Church; funeral Mass March 18 th , 2022 – 10 am at St.
Agnes Catholic Church with interment to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in
Weiser, ID.
Jim would’ve preferred a reception to be held at McDonalds with
cheeseburgers and diet Coke. Instead, due to seating limitations, a
reception will be held immediately following the interment at St. Agnes
parish hall. All are invited.
The family suggests memorials be made to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements under the direction of Thomason Funeral Home.
