James Francis Gaved

James Francis Gaved passed away peacefully April 18, 2025 on Good Friday, one day after his 84th birthday at the Gateway Transitional Care Center in Pocatello, Idaho.

Jim was born April 17, 1941, in the historic town of Butte, Montana to Donald James Razzy Gaved and Margaret Eileen Shields. In 1942, his family moved to Salt Lake City where his father managed Graybar Electrical Supply. In 1950, they moved to Pocatello to open Electrical Contractor Supply. He attended school at St Anthony, Alameda Jr High and graduated from Poky High in 1960. He also attended Idaho State College and Mexico City College.

In 1967 he opened Electrical Supply Co. in Olympia, Washington selling wholesale electrical supplies and equipment.

In 1971, he founded JAMCO Corporation, which specialized in manufacturing portable semi-trailer mounted generator systems. He later sold the company to Boeing Corp in 1980.

He left Washington and went to Arizona where he opened Fiesta Lighting in Tempe. Thereafter he worked as a construction inspector at DIA (Denver International Airport) which led to his job acceptance with Lockheed Martin and later Raytheon Service Company until he retired.

Jim was known for his quick wit, larger than life personality, his “Diamond G Seasoning” and legendary 4th of July parties at the cabin in Big Sky Montana. He earned the nickname “Diamond Jim” living the high life among his family and friends. Jim was impossible to miss and even harder to forget.

Through his work he made friends all over the world as he traveled and golfed. Being an avid golfer, he played on many beautiful courses in his lifetime and attended the Ryder Cup in Scotland. He was an official usher at Pebble Beach one year and tried very hard to get on camera. Even asking his family in true Jim fashion, did you see me? As luck would have it, he did indeed make it on TV. He will also be remembered for his long golf drives.

Jim is now reunited with his faithful, loyal, companion dog Jackpot, with his signature red bandana, and his other dog Willie, and Luke, his horse. Guaranteed he’s probably out golfing the back 9 and driving down the road watching the sunset with both his dogs by his side.

Jim’s love language was giving gifts to others. Many were recipients of his generosity as well as his nieces and nephews. We are sure countless others could share tall tales and stories about his gift giving.

Per Jim’s wishes no funeral will be held. His ashes will be spread at his home away from home at Big Sky Montana over the Gallatin River, leaving behind memories as colorful as the Montana skies that he loved.

Jim was a member of St. Anthony Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his infant big sister Annette Gaved, his parents Margaret Eileen Shields and Donald James Gaved. He is survived by a sister Donna Akers (Sherm); brothers Walt (Tina), Cody and Ken Gaved all of Pocatello; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Tina Anderson, Jacquie Jenkins and staff at the Gateway Rehab Center for their excellent care, as well as Evelyn at Heritage Hospice. Jim had fun keeping them on their toes with his demands and jokes.

Thank you “Diamond Jim” for the many memories we shared. Until we meet again…. God Bless

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