James Norman “Jim” Anspach, 68, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2010 at his Garfield Bay home in Sagle, Idaho, attended by his family, after a valiant fight with cancer for three years. Private family services have been held.

Jim was born in Olympia, Wash. on Nov. 18, 1942 to Floyd and Dorothy Anspach. Jim spent many of his formative years on Orcas Island on the Prune Farm with sister Linda and brother Bruce.

Jim married Bernita Flaherty on Orcas Island and raised his family there. Jim was a heavy equipment operator and founded Orcas Excavators. Jim was a mentor and source of much encouragement to many young people over the years. While on Orcas Jim also raised horses and cattle and enjoyed flying his plane and fishing and boating on Puget Sound.

In 1980, Jim moved his family to Ellensburg, Wash. where he bought a cattle ranch and also founded Reecer Creek Excavating. In 1991 Jim married Ginny Hansberry and continued ranching life until 2004 when they retired and moved to Garfield Bay on Lake Pend Oreille near Sandpoint, ID.

Jim spent the next six years enjoying boating, fishing, hunting, and helping his neighbor with his backhoe. Jim’s greatest pleasure in life was helping and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Ginny; children Terri Bailey, Dixie (Terry) Jimenez, and Jim (Tara) Anspach; step-children Cindy Hansberry (her husband Kelly Berger), Roger (Carrie) Hansberry, Sandy Hansberry, and Jeff (Brenda) Hansberry; 28 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.

The Grizz has gone to his final hibernation. We will miss you.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Jim’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.

Submitted by Jim Anspach’s family.