James Lawrence 'Jim' Motichka, 85
James Lawrence “Jim” Motichka, 85, passed away from cancer on June 8, 2011, at The Springs in Whitefish.
Jim was born Jan. 5, 1926, in Kalispell, the son of Joseph and Mary (Firestein) Motichka. He was the fourth of seven children, joining his older siblings Joseph Andrew “Andy,” Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Fredenberg, Catherine “Katy” Hatton, and later joined by younger siblings Richard “Dick,” Barbara Penney and Roberta Elgin.
Jim served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and was stationed on a destroyer escort in the Pacific Fleet as a machinist’s mate. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and had been able to attend several reunions with his former shipmates.
Jim married Alice Crumley on June 3, 1949, in Columbia Falls. They had two sons, James L. Jr., “Jimmy,” and Jack. Jim worked in the logging industry and at the Anaconda Aluminum plant, as well as cutting Christmas trees. He was one of the original organizers of the Evergreen Volunteer Fire Department and the Marion Volunteer Fire Department. He spent many years working with Boy Scout Troop No. 48, and was instrumental in organizing the Kalispell Rock and Gem Club. He also helped construct the Calvary Lutheran Church.
He and Alice later built, owned and operated the "Rest-A-Day" campground in Marion, with gift shop, laundry and trailer park. The gift shop consisted of jewelry and crafts handmade by Jim and Alice. As everyone who knows him knew, he loved fishing, hunting, camping and traveling. Jim and Alice spent 35 years as snowbirds in Southern Arizona and California, hiking in the desert. They also spent three summers in Alaska.
Jim will be remembered for his sense of humor. He never met a stranger and was helpful to everyone.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Andy and Dick; sisters, Betty and Barbara; and a granddaughter, Jennifer.
Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Alice; two sons, Jimmy and Jackie of Deadwood, Ore., and Jack and Ann of Malta; six grandchildren, Jodi, Janae, Jamie, Jesse, Janel and Jeff; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Katy and Roberta; and many nephews and nieces.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Evergreen and/or Marion Fire Departments, or the American Cancer Society.
Visitation for Jim will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 12, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 13, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home.
Friends are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.