JAMES HOINES obituary

James (Jim) A. Hoines, 67, of Havre, an avid fisherman and beloved father and husband, died peacefully, surrounded by his wife and children, on Friday, April 14, 2006, in Great Falls after a short battle with lung cancer.

Visitation will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. His funeral will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Van Orsdel United Methodist Church in Havre.

Jim was born April 24, 1938, in Sisseton, S.D., to J. Julius Hoines and Agnes (Karlson) Hoines. He spent his early years on the family farm in South Dakota. In 1950, the family moved to Belvidere, Ill. Growing up, Jim became an accomplished athlete, excelling in tennis, football and basketball. He graduated from Belvidere High School in 1956. He then enlisted in the Air Force and served as flight simulator technician from 1956-60.

After discharge from the service, he met Linda Sewell, and they were married on Sept. 30, 1961, in Belvidere. The couple first traveled the country with Jim's job as a telephone equipment installer and eventually settled in Havre in 1964 and raised their three children. Early on, he started Nestron Associates with his lifelong friend Lohman Catron, and then went to work for Triangle Telephone in 1967, where he stayed until his retirement in 1998. Throughout his life, Jim had a deep dedication for Triangle Telephone and its employees.

As a young man, Jim had a great interest in softball. He was a player, manager, and spent many years as an umpire. Softball became a family pastime and many friendships were established through these activities. Bowling was also a passion. Jim was an accomplished bowler and taught many generations of kids how to bowl. He was known for his quiet manner, dry sense of humor, and infectious cackle.

As his family grew and left home, hunting and fishing became his prime interests. He spent many happy days outdoors with friends and family. These activities grew a whole new set of wonderful friends. Jim became a determined walleye fisherman. His highlight was winning the Governor's Cup Walleye Tournament. He continued to fish throughout his life, and in his final days was planning to prepare the boat for the upcoming season.

Community involvement was important to Jim, who was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Elks and Lions.

Family was utmost importance to Jim. His love and pride of his wife, children and grandchildren were well known.

In his retirement, Jim and Linda spent time between Havre and Arizona. Jim enjoyed the many opportunities to golf and spend time with new and old friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Sylvester, Arland and Sylvan.

Survivors include his wife, Linda, of Havre; brother, Carroll (Jean) Hoiness of Cottage Grove, Ore.; children, Jodi (Ed) Peretti of Butte, Nathan (Lexie) Hoines of Great Falls and Marty Hoines of Seattle, Wash.; grandchildren, Jessi, Nick and Katie Peretti; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Walleyes Unlimited Foundation, P.O. Box 490, Big Sandy, MT 59520, or The Gift of Life, c/o Benefis Foundation, 2800 11th Ave S., Great Falls, MT 59405.