James Allen Foltz

MISSOULA – James Allen Foltz, 66, of Missoula, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, at home ending his two-year battle with cancer.

He was born on Dec. 6, 1946, in Kimball, S.D., to E.A. and Jean Foltz. He attended school in Kimball, until he joined the Navy. After his return from the service, Jim moved to Missoula, where he worked several years in the mills, then on to gas delivery and finally to his most important and fulfilling position as bus driver for 16 years at Grizzly Peak Retirement Residence.

In 1969, he married Nancy Fritz and became an instant dad to her four sons, adding to the family in 1971 when his daughter Pam was born. He was married to Nancy until her death in 1987. He later married his current wife, Theodora Bigelow.

Jim truly enjoyed life and loved being with friends and family. Jim enjoyed spending many weekends in the woods camping throughout his lifetime. He had a great gift of gab and everyone he talked to was a friend, even if they had only just met. Jim loved dressing up in all sorts of costumes at Halloween and played Santa for many Christmas gatherings. His hearty laugh and smile brightened many lives.

Jim was preceded in death by both his parents; his first wife, Nancy; and a sister, Neeny Peterson.

Survivors include his wife, Theodora; and daughter, Pam (Ray) LaRocque of Missoula; stepsons, Jim, Bill and Steve Fritz of Clinton, and Todd (Vicky) Fritz of Colorado; a sister, Sondra (Ron) Zingler of South Dakota; eight grandchildren; and his four-legged sons, Austin and Marmalade.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at the First United Methodist Church, 300 E. Main St., with Pastor Tom Steenberg officiating. A potluck reception will follow at the church.

Read James Foltz's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.