James A. Fish, 81

James A. Fish, 81, of Whitefish, passed away Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell. 

He was born May 6, 1930, in Trenton, N.J., the son of Manus J. Fish and Ethel (Gallagher) Fish.

Jim spent most of his professional career as a computer programmer and analyst. He got his start serving in the Air Force, then the National Security Agency as a cryptologist in the 1950s. His keen, logical and analytical mind enabled him to create software for a wide variety of applications throughout his career, including public safety, banking and education. He stayed on top of the ever-changing computer technology, providing consulting services to the University of California, San Bernardino until his 79th birthday..

Jim enjoyed tennis, racquetball and golf. He was excellent at all three, especially golf, where he and his son Jim Jr., won a father/son tournament together.

In retirement, he enjoyed walking his dogs, visiting with his neighbors and the children who affectionately called him "Grandpa Jim." He was active in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program when he lived in Pittsburgh.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Myrna Cullam-Fish; his sister, Jane Gonzelez, of Dunedin, Fla.; his children with his first wife Rita (Sullivan) Fish (1930  to 1993), Catherine Montest, Julia Carlson, James A. Fish Jr., and Timothy Fish; and eight grandchildren, Richard Montest, Margeaux Montest, Abigail Fish, Leah Carlson, Lacey Carlson, Ivan Bedard, Adrienne Bedard and Dani Bedard.

A celebration of his life will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, at their home at 2002 Mountain Park Loop, in Whitefish. Friends and neighbors are welcome.

Memorial donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society.

Mr. Fish's arrangements are being managed by Buffalo Hill Funeral Home in Kalispell.