James J. Tobin

2/25/1928 — 12/24/2015

Service Date: 1/2/2016
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James Jackson Tobin, 87 years old

James J. Tobin was called home to the Lord on Thursday, December 24, 2015 in Spokane, WA.

Born February 25, 1928, to Joseph and Anna Tobin; Jim, to all who knew him, was a man of many words who touched the lives of all who met him.

He grew up on the family farm in Genesee, Idaho with his late sisters and brother; Margaret "Mag", Virginia "Ginger", Mary and Lil' Joe. He left home early in life and went to Oakland CA where he graduated from Freemont High School.

He enlisted and served in the US Navy during WW II and released with a World War II Victory Medal. Jim remained active in the reserves until he was called for duty to serve in the Army during the Korean War until August 30, 1952.

He came home to Lewiston after his years of military service and began work at Cascade Gas, where he quickly became a permanent fixture. Cascade was bought by Washington Water Power where he retired February 1, 1988 after 36 years of service. He continued to be a great resource to the company with his vast knowledge and the special camaraderie that existed for many years following his retirement.

He met the love of his life, Ethel “E” Hatch, on a service call in 1953. They later married on September 4, 1955 in Lewiston where they resided together for 60 years. During this life long commitment, their home quickly became the place for happy hour and dinner on any given day of the week.

Throughout Jim’s life, he became involved in many different organizations. Jim was a life time member of BPOE #896, Moose Lodge and the VFW. He was Elk of the year in 1976 and 1977. He was active in the Lewiston Elks and organized the Elks steelhead derby, food drive and caravan for the Elks Rehab hospital.

Jim also belonged to the Nez Perce County Mounted Sheriff's posse since 1961. He held many offices including Chief of Mounted Posse in 1963, 1967 and 1968. He enjoyed his years in the posse where many stories, lifetime friends and memories were built.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Anna; sisters and brother.

Jim is survived by his wife, "E", and two children; Carrie Ann Beloit and her husband, Tom, Trudy Bayless and her husband, Lenny; grandchildren Leslie, Justin and his wife Heidi, John Beloit, Stephanie and Brenna Bayless; great-grand children, Grasyn and Bentley Beloit.

Throughout Jim’s life, he has impacted and touched the hearts of many and continued to do so up to the moments of his passing. His magnetic charisma was hypnotic. Many knew Jim as a historian and a great communicator, and the most caring and loving husband, father and friend that many of us aspire to be.

A memorial to celebrate Jim’s life will be at 11:00 am on January 2, 2016 at All Saints Catholic Church in Lewiston, 3330 14^thStreet.

Family suggests memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.