Walter James 'Jim' Moniz, 71

Jim “was set free to be with the Lord” on Resurrection Sunday, April 24, 2011.

He was born on May 29, 1939, in Sacramento, Calif., to Walter Philip and Anna Moniz. He was raised in West Sacramento in the house his father built.  He had great stories and special memories of growing up with his sister Pat, brother Gary and Arleen Morgan, whom he thought of as a sister.

Upon graduation from James Marshall High School in 1957, he joined the United States Air Force where he served his country for four years. He was stationed in Alaska and Opheim, where he met and captivated the heart of Mary Ann Watterud. They were married in Reno, Nev., on Nov. 17, 1962.

The family moved to Columbia Falls, where Jim began his long-time career at Kalispell Regional Hospital. There he met many great, lifelong friends whom he missed daily after his retirement.

Jim loved gardening, reading the scripture and adoring the Lord Jesus. He is known for his beautiful flower gardens which were his pride and joy, as well as his therapy.

“Today, he is tending the gardens of heaven where the flowers are glowingly beautiful and singing their praises to the King of Kings.”

Jim is survived by his wife of 48 years, MaryAnn, of Kalispell; son, John, and wife, Ginger; daughters, Dorie and husband Matt Williams, Lia and husband Jeff Jennings, and Maria and husband  Mike Tamburelli; grandchildren,  Ashley, Taylor, Hunter, Alexis, Adam, Carly, Kora, Mikey, River, Samantha and Kristina; great-grandchildren, Gage, Alyssa and Taylor's baby boy, due in August.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 29, at Family Life Christian Church, 1075 Foys Lake Road, Kalispell.