James F. 'Jim' Rathbun

James F. “Jim” Rathbun, age 82, died February 10, 2017 from complications of influenza. Jim was born August of 1934, to Bernita and Frank Rathbun. He was born and raised

in the state of Iowa.

As a child, our father enjoyed the outdoors. He was a hunter and fisherman and played many sports. His father played baseball for the House of David, which spawned a love for baseball. As a youngster, he was the bat boy for the Waterloo White Hawks and a ball boy for the Waterloo Hawks Basketball team. Jim graduated from East Waterloo High School in 1952.

He enlisted and spent four years in the United States Air Force. His training in the Air Force led him to McCall, Idaho, where he became a smoke jumper that ignited a love for the forest. Jim earned a degree in Forestry at the University of Idaho.

In the late 1950s, he met his love and wife of 57 years, Julie A. Phillips. After graduating from college, Jim and Julie started their family and adventures in the United States Forest Service. His career took him and his family through the western United States where they called many places home, including: Idaho, New Mexico, Utah, California and finally Montana.

In 1983 Jim was promoted and transferred to Libby as the Kootenai Forest Supervisor. They retired in 1989. He continued helping loggers and ranchers as an Environmental Consultant for several years.

Jim had a strong sense of right and strong political views. His Almanac was never far from his side. Those that knew Jim never had to guess what he was thinking. He was guided in life by his strong moral compass.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Julie Rathbun, and parents, Bernita (Fred) Barth and Franklin Rathbun. He is survived by his sister, Audry Burk; his loving sons, Martin (Larry)Rathbun, Jim (Natasha) Rathbun; his loving daughters, Sara (Mike) Jackson, Mary (Jeff) Kerr, Carolyn (Bubba) Townsend; and his beloved grandchildren, Lindsie (Ben) Rodriques, Taylor, Angela, Robert, Brooks, Trace, Carson, Sawyer, McCoy; great-granddaughers, Ana and Adalyn, and his always faithful animals Deena, Oliver and Friendly the Cat.

Any correspondence can be sent to: Carolyn Townsend, 422 Alford Rd., Ellensburg, WA 98926.

Interment will be in Wenatchee, Washington at a later date.