James Snider

James Alfred Snider, (78), of Belt, Montana passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at Peace Hospice in Great Falls as a result of complications to COPD and pneumonia.His wife of 44 years, Rhea Ann (Arps) Snider was at his side.He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother.James was born on October 13, 1933 in Roberts, Indiana in the family home to Marion A. & Leotha Snider.James (Jim) grew up in the Wabash Valley with his parents, 3 brothers and 1 sister. He graduated from Attica High School, Attica, Indiana and Loyola University. At the age of 17, Jim hopped on his motorcycle, traveled west and after running out of gas end up in Great Falls working for the JB Long Ranch . At that time, he joined the Air Force and was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base. He worked in Civil Engineering as a heavy equipment operator where his primary duty was clearing and building roads. Jim was trained in Quantico Virginia under the US Marine Corp as an underwater demolition specialist. Prior to being deployed to the Korean Conflict for two tours, Jim was stationed in Guam where he was involved in underwater cave demolition.Jim was married to June Wallace Sieg, later divorced and was blessed to become the father of 4 children. Jim attended the defense language institute in Monteray, California where he learned Laotian and Vietnamese. Later, Jim was deployed to the Vietnam Conflict for four tours. Jim was a VNAF and ARVN advisor in South Vietnam and sustained many injuries while on tour of which he was awarded the Purple Heart by General Ming, a Vietnamese General attached to his unit. Jim served many TDY's around the world, including North Africa and was a proud American.Jim married Rhea Ann Arps on July 8, 1967. Shortly after their marriage, he was deployed again to Guam, in the Mariana Islands where his entire family was able to join him. Their youngest child was born on the island. The family enjoyed playing on the coral beaches and swimming in the ocean, watching wash-out outdoor movies, and attending luaus. The family made it through typhoons, housing inspections and plugging their noses at dinner time when Smokey Joe (the extermination fog truck) would drive through the neighborhoods.Jim retired from the Air Force in 1971 and started his own excavation company at home in Belt, Montana. He raised cattle, wheat, and hay; working alongside the members of his family. Later, Jim assisted in closing down old mines in the Yellowstone Park area, affording him the luxury of living in the Park in a camper trailer. Jim also drove long haul distances with his semi. For several years, he and his wife drove as partners; enjoying the different sites the United States offered.Jim and Rhea became Foster Parents where they eventually adopted their last foster child, Tyler.Jim's teasing and easygoing personality made him a favorite of all kids growing up, many of them calling him Dad.Over the years, Jim has enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting.Many trips were taken into the Highwood Mountains over Labor Day weekend to camp by a stream, or into the Tiger Butte area to bring home deer.He enjoyed playing canasta with many marathon tournaments lasting into the early hours. Jim enjoyed making homemade applesauce and rhubarb (Jimmer jam), visiting neighbors and being with his grandchildren. Other than his wife, the loves of his life were his two dogs, Lily and Tia; who were constantly by his side.Jim was a Lifetime Member of the VFW, Post 4198 in Belt.He was preceded in death by his parents Marion and Leotha Snider, and his brother George D (Carol) Snider of Attica.He is survived by his wife Rhea Ann of Belt, his children Bonnie Elgaen (Larry) of Washington, Lindy Reynolds of Arizona, James Snider (Sharon) of Canada, Russell Snider (DeAnn) of Canada, Robert Snider (Carey)of Fort Shaw, Kristina Veach (Randell) of Iowa, and Ann-Margaret Periman (Bill) of Great Falls. Brothers Joseph Snider (Kathy) of South Carolina, and Francis Snider (Elfrieda) of New York, and sister Rosemary Hatke of Indiana, 29 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.Jims life will be remembered and celebrated on Tuesday, December 27th at 11 am at the Belt Community Church under the direction of Schnider Funeral home with Pastor Matt Antonich officiating.The family would like to personally thank the wonderful staff at Peace Hospice for helping make Jims final day comfortable and for their compassionate care for him as well as the family.Donations in Jim's name are suggested to Great Falls Disabled Veterans of America, Chapter 2, 600 Central Ave., Great Falls, MT 59401.