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In memory of James W. Onthank

James W. Onthank of Grangeville died March 15, 2005, at the age of 42 in a work-related automobile accident on Highway 95. Also killed in the accident was Toby Stevens.

Jim is survived by his wife, Cynthia, his parents, Samuel and Katherine of Clarkston, Wash., and siblings, Michael, Scott and Kelly.

Jim was born on Oct. 24, 1962, in Grangeville. He met his future wife, Cynthia Oleson, at a community dance in Cottonwood on July 19, 1980.

Jim and Cynthia were married on Jan. 23, 1982.

Beginning in July of 1987, Jim worked for the Idaho Transportation Department at Reed's Bar for six years, after which he transferred to the Grangeville office and continued there until his death on the job.

Jim loved the outdoors. Whether hunting, fishing, hiking or camping with his family, he always seemed to find peace and enjoyment when surrounded by nature. Always by his side during hunting ventures was his best friend since high school, Joe Lothspeich. The two planned for years to hunt caribou in Alaska, but never had the chance.

Above all, Jim was a loving and dedicated husband and father who would put aside anything else in his life for them, even passing up promotions in his career to preserve the time he had with his loved ones. He leaves behind a perfect example of what a family man should be. Jim will be missed by all who knew him, many far beyond our small community.

Memorial services will be held Monday, March 21, at 2 p.m. at the Grangeville Church of the Nazarene. Services are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville. Please send condolences to the family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com