James Roland, 65
James Ernest Roland, 65, born June 6, 1947, to Cyril and Irene Roland, fell asleep in death July 5, 2012.
There will be memorial talk held at the Becker Auditorium in the new high school at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 21 for those wishing to join his family in a remembrance of Jim’s life. Light refreshments served afterward in the Common.
Jim (as known by friends and in the community) grew up in Payette, Idaho, working on his father’s farm, developing the work ethic that carried him through the rest of his life.
He was active in the local Ag and FFA programs at Payette High School, and it was this that helped him decide on teaching vo-ag as a career.
He graduated from the University of Idaho with a bachelor of science degree.
He taught junior high science for three years in Payette until a teaching position for vo-agriculture became available in Kendrick, Idaho in 1974.
He met and then married Ruth Ann Hoffman on Dec. 21, 1974.
Their first daughter, Heather, was born in 1976. In 1978 they came to Bonners Ferry and bought and renovated one of the oldest homes in Bonners Ferry (built 1906) in the old Eaton addition.
Their second daughter Briana was born in 1980 and she and her husband Daniel are living in that same home today.
Jim loved teaching in Bonners Ferry. Even when administrative policy, local and statewide, could make that more difficult, he stayed because he loved his students. It was always about them.
One of the highlights of his career was when he was named Idaho’s Outstanding Vocational Agriculture Instructor for 2006. He retired in 2007 so he could devote more time to his granddaughter, Macenzie, and spend more time preaching about God’s Kingdom in the community as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
He and his family have a solid Bible based hope of a resurrection on a paradise earth (John 5:28,29) where mankind will no longer suffer from sickness, old age, and death.
He was kind, generous, patient, and an excellent teacher. A strong Christian example in his congregation, for his family, and the community. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife Ruth, daughters Heather Bennett (Pat) and Briana Hilden (Daniel), granddaughter Macenzie, and grandson Dylan, all of Bonners Ferry.
He also is survived by his parents Cyril and Irene Roland, one sister Lois Davis (Gary), three brothers, Tom (Marcia), Dan, and Clark (Danita). He also is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and their children, cousins, an uncle, and two aunts, most of whom live in southern Idaho.
He was preceded in death by his youngest brother Alan in 2007.
Family and friends are invited to sign Jim’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.