James Michael Westerhouse died peacefully at home surrounded by family on May 3, 2021 in Post Falls, Idaho from congenital heart disease. He was lovingly cared for by his wife Dawn and daughter Katie.
He was born on June 3, 1941 in San Francisco to James and Winnifred Doris Westerhouse. He served as a medic in the US Navy where he learned many life-saving skills. He received a BA degree from San Jose State University where he majored in English. He spent his career in sales and training working at IBM and Siebel, also working in the oil and gas industry, and doing consulting in various fields. His career led him from California to Hawaii, Oklahoma, and Colorado. He retired in Idaho.
He was a hero who saved lives and helped others throughout his life, saving a drowning baby, pulling a teenager from a crashed car, bringing home a stranded family of 10 to spend the night, and aiding numerous others with his compassionate heart.
He is survived by his wife Dawn, his children Kevin Westerhouse, Stephen Westerhouse, Thomas Westerhouse, Katie Lampe, Melanie Maria-Liner and Joshua Maria and their spouses. He is also survived by his 17 grandchildren Jack, Lukas, Malia, Lily, Zoe, Zachary, Sierra, Cody, Kailey, Micah, Charlie, Jaxson, Emilie, Zayden, David, Michael and Hylana. His brother Patrick and his wife Patti, his sister Mary Ann and nephew Zachary and former spouse Susan Plantan and her husband.
Painting and art were an integral part of his life, and he specialized in painting ocean scenery. His art was exhibited in various shows throughout his life. He loved to spend time with family and loved God with his whole heart. He will always be remembered in our hearts and greatly missed!