James E. Eakin, 83

James (Jim) E. Eakin, 83, passed away peacefully at his home Nov. 22, 2010. He was born Sept. 11, 1927, in Prospect, Ore.

Jim spent his childhood in Little Fort, British Columbia. He married Gloria Jakel on Nov. 19, 1949, in Little Fort and relocated to the U.S. the next day where they would eventually raise their family. Jim and Gloria had three children, Becky, Debbie and Fred. They resided in various places in the Northwest, but spent many years in Fryeburg, Maine, where Jim worked in the timber and road construction industry.

An avid hunter, Jim especially enjoyed spending time in Drummond, Mont., with his good friend Bob scouting and watching great herds of elk. Jim and Gloria spent many summer vacations fishing the pristine alpine lakes of Canada with dear friends Spike and Margaret, Len and Evelyn, and Verna. One of Jim's favorite journeys with his friends was in 1995 when they traveled the long journey to Alaska. Jim's great love for horses led he and Gloria to raise and travel the show circuits with Paint Horses. Jim was a great horseman. He enjoyed trail riding through the woods on horseback any chance he got. Above all else, Jim enjoyed spending time with his beloved family. He was never happier than when surrounded by grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jim's family was his greatest pride in life.

Jim was preceded in death by his sister Emiline. He leaves behind wife, Gloria, of 61 years; daughters Becky (Dave) Tester; Debbie (David) Stockwell; son, Fred (Laurie) Eakin; grandchildren Tracey, Kelley, Dustin, Callie, Scott, Derek, Travis, Heather and great-grandchildren Carisa, Parker, Ryan, Levi, Cole, Stella, and Carter.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010, at Yates Funeral Home, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden. Please visit Jim's online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.