Thursday, February 13, 2025
Obituary

James Anthony Seidensticker

May 17, 1947 - December 24, 2024

Posted

James Anthony Seidensticker passed away on December 24, 2024.

Jim was the second son born to Dr. John C. and Gladys B. Seidensticker on May 17, 1947 in Sheridan, Montana. Jim’s early years were spent in Twin Bridges until 1957 when the family moved the house and all to Dillon (35 miles). Jim completed his education in Dillon including graduating from Western Montana College in 1969 with a degree in secondary education at which time he was recognized in the Who’s Who of College Graduates. As a teacher, Jim continued his education earning his Masters Degree in Education followed by many more credits. During his 35 years of teaching, Jim served on the Drivers Education in Washington board, was yearbook advisor, coached cross-country skiing, football, softball, and basketball - his main love.

While attending Western Montana College, Jim fell in love “at first sight” with Ann Fran Williams, a Butte girl. Their blessed life began on August 9, 1969 at Holy Savior Church in Butte. They honeymooned by driving to Fairbanks, Alaska for Jim’s first teaching assignment. The next 55 years saw them in Twin Bridges, Montana, Moscow, Idaho, where their son Scot James was born, Chelan (42 years), Wenatchee (7 years), Washington, and Desert Hot Springs, California (12 winters).

Traveling was a large part of Jim’s life: fishing and hunting in Northern Canada, Northwest Territories, Campbell River, Brooks Range, Alaska, Montana, Idaho, and Washington; basketball exchange in Brake, Germany; and several Spring Break trips to Mexico and Hawaii. Although always a farmer at heart (alfalfa and cherries), Jim loved sports, boating, hunting, fishing, competitive shooting, snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowmobiling, golfing and teaching. Jim was his grandchildren’s biggest fan and could often be seen in the bleachers, on the sidelines and the pool deck cheering. After removing their 1,000 cherry trees in 2010, Jim and Ann Fran began their RV life traveling south each winter to Yuma, Earp-Parker until finding the perfect spot at the Sands RV and Golf Resort in Desert Hot Springs, California. Where at the age of 65, Jim took up golf; being awarded the Most Improved male golfer for the 2021-22 season. Jim gave his all to make each of the many groups he was a member and officer of better. Most notably the Lake Chelan Boating Club as Commodore for two years.

Jim was preceeded in death by infant son Jimmie Jr., parents Dr. John and Gladys Seidensticker, in-laws Ronnie and Fran Williams, sister Judith Ann Strong, Dr. Ron “Butch” Williams, his grandparents, several uncles, aunts, cousins, a nephew, and many dear friends. Jim is survived by wife Ann Fran, son Scot (Becky) of Cashmere, grandson Tyson of Ephrata, granddaughter Elle of Ellensburg, sister Jeanne (Gregg) Pusey of Chelan, brother Dr. John C. (Susan) of Washington DC, brother Jerry (Carol) of Missoula, brother Jeff (Patty) of Spokane, brother-in-law Keith Strong of Bozeman, Aunt Jane Ann Grant of Butte, sister-in-law Jackie Williams of Butte, and many beloved nieces and nephews. As well as, special friends Larry of Moscow (daughters Nina and Anne), Ed Burby of Bothell, and special friend and caregiver Marci of Wenatchee.

Memorial services will be held for Jim on May 17, 2025 in Twin Bridges, Montana.

Memorials in Jim’s name may be sent to the Lake Chelan Boating Club Scholarship Fund PO Box 325 Chelan WA 98816.