Valley County, IDGenWeb Project

James Van Ness

James Van Ness of McCall, better known as “Big Jim” or “Cosmo,” passed away on June 9, 2011, from esophageal cancer. He was 62.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, July 10 at 2 p.m. at New Mountain Life Church, 14180 Hwy 55, McCall, with a reception following at Woody’s BBQ, 501 N. 3rd St., McCall.

He was born Feb. 9, 1949 in Albany, Calif., and spent most of his life in Livermore, Calif., before settling in Idaho 18 years ago.

He attended Granada High School where he played basketball, football and tennis and then went onto Chico State University for one year.

While living in McCall, he worked in construction, worked in a sign shop and also worked with wood. He was a gifted woodworker, saying that you have to treat each piece of wood individually and let it tell you what to do with it, not the other way around.

Woodworking helped him be who he wanted to be and there are many examples of Jim’s work all over the town of McCall. He had his dark times with substance abuse, but even in the darkest times, he was saved by knowing the grace and glory of the Lord.

Jim was never timid about telling of the grace of the Lord. “Glory be to God, and pass the Muster!” was one of his favorite sayings. He was a big believer in 25 cent miracles and God’s plan.

He could talk more than anyone, but was also a good listener. He definitely had a way with words. Wherever he lived, friends were always welcome.

He is survived by his son, Jonathan Van Ness of Las Vegas, Nev., and a sister, Janet Wilson from Coeur d’Alene.


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