James W. 'Jim' Hocking, 75

Jim Hocking, 75, passed away June 29, 2008. He was born Aug. 12, 1932.

Jim first came to the Flathead Valley the summer of 1959 with his then fiancee, Myrna Jean Ripke.

Myrna was insistent that she could not marry Jim until he had met her grandparents, Francis and Ethel Ripke, of Kalispell. During the visit the Ripkes treated Jim to a tour of the Flathead Valley, Glacier Park and many other beautiful areas.

As they were getting ready to head back to Seattle, Grandpa Ripke noticed that the tires on the car did not seem to be in the best condition. Grandpa's parting words to Jim were, "Are the tires on your car OK, Jim? My granddaughter's riding in that car." Jim's response was a firm handshake and a "Yes sir. Yes sir, I promise the tires are fine." Well, of course the tires were not fine; in fact, one was flat by the time they reached St. Regis. They did make it safely back to Seattle and with the blessing of her grandparents, Jim and Myrna were married Nov. 12, 1959.

After that first visit to Montana, Jim knew this is where he would someday like to make his home and was fortunate enough to make that dream a reality in June 1991, when he and Myrna retired to Bigfork. Once retired, Jim became an avid golfer; one of the things he missed most as he became ill was golfing with "cuz" Ron Mellem and friend Gene Speelman.

Jim was predeceased by his mother and father, Lewis and Schel Hocking; as well as his brother, Bud; and sisters, Ellen, Beth, Enid and Edie.

Jim is survived by his wife of 49 years, Myrna Jean Ripke Hocking; and their four children, James W. Hocking, Vicki Smith, Kevin Hocking and Janine Beaubien; as well as siblings, Elaine Monosmith, Eloise McBride, Eileen Stokes and John Hocking.

Jim was a loving husband, father, brother and friend, and from all of us to him we say a final farewell. "Boots and saddles, Jim, boots and saddles. We love you and will greatly miss you."

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at the home of Tom and Janine Beaubien.