He was born in Ideal, Texas on May 31, 1920 to Finis and Lida Amend.
He was educated in New Mexico excelling in high school sports, participating in football and basketball. After graduation, he joined the CCC’s before entering college. In January of 1942, Jim joined the U.S, Navy serving aboard the USS Copahee and the USS Lunga Point as an Aviation Chief Ordnance man. He was a champion boxer aboard ship.
He held a variety of jobs before finding his “dream job” as Maintenance and Grounds Supervisor at Western Washington University, from which he retired in 1985.
Jim enjoyed being outdoors whether camping, hunting, or plowing the fields. He loved to dance, play guitar and write poetry. His greatest pleasure and achievement was being a loving husband a father. He was very involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren, from coaching to working on cars with his sons. He loved to work with his hands; he could fix anything. He was a mentor and friend to many people throughout his life. He was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. Whether you knew him as JW, Tator, Bud, Buddy, or Jim you loved him.
His parents; sisters Nina and Norma; his first wife Lila; second wife Laura; son Lynn; and stepmother Maxine preceded Jim in death.
Jim is survived by his wife, Jean(Sander)Amend; son, William; daughters, Rita Winter and Jan (Steve) Foster; grandchildren, JoVonne Taylor, Teri Salas, William Greet Jr., Kyle, Kalyn, and Dylan Foster, Leanna and Austin Amend and 2 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his step-children, Steve (Darla) Sander, Jeneanne (Dan) Siekawitch, Sandra Gray, Dawn (Michael) Salzbrun; step-grandchildren, Sarah Christensen, Shaunn and Scott Siekawitch, Alexa and Mackenzie Gray, Aaron and Mathew Salzbrun, Evan, Sasha and Delvin Sander, Shannon Binkley and 8 step-great-grandchildren; a half-brother Wayne, and half-sisters, Dolly and Melinda Shearer.
Honey, Dad, Grandpa – we love you and we miss you.
A Memorial service will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, October 1, 2010 at Holy Family Catholic Church.
Condolences may be offered at www.langevin-mussetter.com.
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