James A. Snider

James A. Snider (60) passed away on October 22, 2009 at his home near Bonners ferry, Idaho. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 11:00 am in the Community Fellowship Church in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Funeral Services will also be held on Friday, October 30, 2009 at 11:00 am in the Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth, Montana with interment followin with military honors at Lee Cemetery, Forsyth Mt. A reception will also be held. After a 13 year valiant battle with Prostate cancer “James”, Jim to friends, Jimmy to close family, finally won the war. Jim passed peacefully on October 22, 2009 into his eternal home to be with his Heavenly Father who loved and loves him with an everlasting love. Born in Miles City MT, Jim lived the first year of life at the family ranch owned by his grandfather. Jim moved to his Dad’s ranch in the heart of the Bull Mtns., where he spent his teen years. He graduated in 1967 from Huntley Project High School in Worden, MT where he participated as discus thrower in Track and Field and was very active in FFA. After a short time at MSU, Bozeman he joined the US Army with a close buddy. They were assigned to Korean DMZ, where he was exposed to the chemical that eventually claimed his life. During assignment to Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, he met his wife of 38 years; sweet, petite Dianne Sego. They lived in Ohio and Tennessee attending college, while Jim also worked various manufacturing jobs, including as a welder, building barges on Tennessee’s Cumberland River. Jim completed his Bachelor of Religious Education in 1976. He spent his life committed to becoming a Godly man; growing in the grace of Jesus Christ. Jim loved Montana and was quite proud of his 4th generation Montana pioneer heritage. His Great Grandfather homesteaded Rosebud Creek in 1882. Enjoying the hard physical work and play of all things outdoors he chose to relocate his family to Coalstrip, MT to work on the ranch and in the coal strip mines. During this time his beloved daughter Amy was born and then died unexpectedly in 1988, at the age of 12. True to his warm, generous and compassionate nature he opened his heart and home to his Korean born son, Jonathan, in 1991. It was Jim’s conviction that his children be homeschooled and was very involved to that end; lovingly leading his family, a faithfully devoted husband, son and father. He spent 16 years at Western Energy Co., leaving in 94’ to launch his own carpet sculpture business. Jim was a creative and talented artist who never realized or believed his ability, becoming disabled 2 years later by Prostate Cancer undetected until metastasized. Moving to Bonners Ferry, Idaho in 2001, Jim, Dianne and Jonathan built strong bonds of friendship with many in this community as he shared his wit, sensitivity, passion for injustice, strength, curiosity, knowledge of History and agriculture and his devotion to His Lord and his family. In his last months he spent many hours dedicated to prayer and writing notes of encouragement to others. This strong, yet gentle man is survived by his loving wife, Dianne and their son, Jonathan; father W. George Snider, Billings, MT; brother, Ed Smoker, sisters Patricia Claridge, IN; Shirley (Bill) Mason, MI.; Janet (George) Harper, Billings, MT; special Brother-in-law Lewis(Kathleen)Sego; several Uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Amy; mother Martha Herrman; brothers Robert and John David Snider. Anyone unable to attend is requested to send notes of remembrance to P.O. box 935, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 or e-mail to photostories@diannesnider.com. Memorials may be given to CFC Building Fund or Nathhan/Chask. A huge thanks to Hospice for amazing support in keeping Jim at home with his family until the end. Praise to God for peace, joy and no more pain! Family and friends are invited to sign Jim’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com Arrangement are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.