Obituary; James Earnest Stoneback

James Earnest Stoneback, 77, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2015 in Hayden, Idaho. Private family services will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2015.

James was born on July 12, 1937 in Colton, South Dakota to Stanley and Wilma (Dunston) Stoneback. James grew up in Idaho and Montana; where he attended schools in Sandpoint, Hot Springs, and Kalispell. At the age of 15 he joined the Army National Guard. After two years he transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard until his retirement as Master Chief in 1975.

He married his first wife in Sequim, WA in 1957, they had five children, and later divorced.  During his military career he worked in Alaska, and traveled to many states. Over the years he worked as a telephone lineman, an ITT specialist, and airplane mechanic. He went to college at Grace Harbor College in Washington and earned his real estate license. He also took a course in Russian, which he became fluent in. One of his greatest joys was fishing. He owned and operated several of his own charter fishing boats in the Westport area. Jim had a passion for guns and had received numerous trophies for shooting and marksmanship.

He married Virgie Zimmerman in 1981 in Coeur d’ Alene, ID. She preceded him in death in 2011. They began their married life in Hamilton, MT, and then moved to Plains, MT where they lived for many years. Their travels took them to Kodiak, AK several times to live. They wintered in Quartzite, AZ and retired in Virgie’s hometown of Elgin, ND. In 2011 they moved to Sandpoint for health reasons and to be closer to family.

Jim enjoyed fishing (telling fishing stories), hunting, camping and RV traveling. He had a love for animals and had squirrels and moose who came to visit him right at his front door. His connection with animals was special.

He is survived by five children; eleven grandchildren; five great grand-children; one sister; and several nieces and nephews.

Also surviving are three step-children Scott (Kaliko) Reed of Caldwell, ID, Tina (Shaun) Crosby of Sagle, ID, and Shari (Chris) Lyman of Plains, MT; 11 grandchildren: Jessica Bennett, Daniel Gingerich, David Gingerich, Brittany Smith, Chanda Gingerich, Dillon Gingerich, Karina, Dalton, and Izaiah Reed, and Aiden and Liam Lyman; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and wife Virgie.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit James’ online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.