James 'Jim' William Buchholz, 62

James "Jim" William Buchholz, 62, passed away Sept. 15, 2011, of a heart attack while doing what he "loved" to do - hiking. Jim was born June 5, 1949, in Minneapolis, Minn. He was the oldest of three sons of Walter and Gladys Buchholz.

Jim graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.S. degree in education. He left teaching after seven years and started working for Barrett Moving & Storage (United Van Lines) as an over-the-road truck driver and ran the warehouse for several years. Jim retired from Barrett in December 1999.

Jim joined the U.S. Marine Reserves and was an MP for his time serving his country.

To help fill Jim's love of hiking, he and his wife, Jinny, got involved in Volkssporting. They joined the Lilac City Volkssporting Club in Spokane. Jim was president from 2010-2011 and served as a representative for both the Lilac City club and the Estern Washington area from 2006-2009. Jim joined the Hobnailer's, a group of walkers in Spokane. He enjoyed the camaraderie and interesting places they walked. Recently, Jim joined the Thursday Hiking Group in Coeur d'Alene who also shared his passion for hiking.

Jim also took up square dancing. They are members of the Coeurly Q's of Coeur d'Alene and the Star Shooters of Spokane Valley.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jinny; two brothers - Fred (Pam) of Midland, Mich., and Scott of Eagan, Minn.; nieces - Brooke Tropf (Zach) of Laurel, Md., Bethany Eicher (Chris) of Midland and Laura Smedsrud; and nephew - Eric Smedsrud of Crosby, Minn.; cousins - Howard Rajdl (Dorothy) of Park Rapids, Minn.; Harlan Rajdl (Rita) of Villard, Minn.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, 2011, at Lutheran Church of the Master, 4800 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d'Alene.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Jim's name to Kootenai Humane Society: 1600 N. Ramsey Road, Hayden, ID 83835 or a charity of your choice.

Please visit Jim's online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.