W. James "Jim" Weatherford
March 8, 1925 - February 4, 2016
Obituary
William James “Jim” WEATHERFORD
Passed away February 4, 2016. Born March 8, 1925 along with his twin sister Lora Frances to Clarence and Florence Weatherford in Independence, MO.
Graduate of Chrisman High School class of 1943. After high school Jim was drafted into the U.S. Navy in 1943 during WWII and discharged in 1946 at Sand Point Naval Air Station.
Jim attended Mortuary College in St. Louis, becoming a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. Jim moved back to Seattle area and married Mae Christensen whom he met while stationed at Sand Point. They married in 1947 and had three children Scott, Nona and Martin. Jim worked with a few funeral home establishments before settling in at Bonney Watson Funeral Home in Seattle.
Mae passed away in 1968. Jim was then introduced to Patricia Shannon Rice, they were married and this added 4 step-children Dixon, Robin, Andy, and Lauren to Jim’s family. The family moved to Kalispell, Montana in the early 1970’s where they built and operated Weatherford Funeral Home. In 1979 Jim and Patricia divorced.
Jim married Ardith Lee Solberg in 1979 and added step-daughters Janet Lee and Julie Ann. Jim and Ardith moved to Bellevue and Jim again worked for Bonney Watson and then retired in 1993 from Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home.
Jim was a member of American Legion, Life member of V.F.W., Past Patron of Eastern Star, past President of Kalispell Rotary Club, and was a Mason.
Jim and Ardith enjoyed traveling. Together they toured many countries in Europe and several trips to Mexico, Hawaii and also saw many other places through-out the U.S.
Jim will forever be remembered for his great sense of humor, youthful spirit, riding his Honda Aspencade Gold Wing with “all the bells and whistles”, bowling, water skiing, down-hill and cross country snow skiing and his computer.
Jim is survived by his wife, Ardith; sons Scott and Martin; daughter Nona; grandson Reilley Adamson; brother Clarence “Bus” Weatherford and wife Shirley; step-daughters Janet Couey and husband Jim and Julie Collins and husband Fred; step-grandsons Lane Couey, Ryan Couey and wife Olivia; step-great grandson Skylar Couey. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary and twin sister Lora.
No services at his request Inurnment at Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell, Montana.
To honor Jim’s life, “Do a good deed for someone in need”.
Jim will be held lovingly in our hearts forever. He always treated my sister Julie and myself as if he was our father. My Sons Ryan and Lane Couey had a wonderful grandfather to remember many fun times and adventures with.
God Bless you as he blessed us by having you in our lives.
Janet Tobias Couey