Steamboat Pilot & Today

Hayden resident Jim Funk died Oct. 2, 2003, at Yampa Valley Medical Center. He was 85.

Jim was born Sept. 18, 1918, in Hayden to James D. and Pearl Funk. He was raised in various places, including Hayden, McCoy and Steamboat Springs, where he graduated from high school.

Following high school Jim attended Colorado A&M College for one year. He then entered the Army, with which he served four years.

Jim married Avis C. Hooker on April 5, 1947, in Hayden, where he lived for the rest of his life. The couple has lived in their present home since 1957.

Jim was a rancher all his life and very active in various community groups, including the Farm Bureau, the Upper Yampa River Water Conservancy Board, the Hayden School Board, Routt County Planning Commission and the Colorado Wheat Administrative Committee. He also was instrumental in organizing the West Routt Fire Protection District.

He was a member and former commander of the Hayden American Legion Post and a member of the Hayden Congregational Church. He enjoyed fishing and was a wonderful husband and father.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Virginia Laughlin and Miriam Bainer.

He is survived by his wife, Avis; a son, David Funk of Hayden; two sisters, Joan Bertus of Wendell, Idaho, and Jean Wirick of Vallejo, Calif.; a brother, Merwin Funk of Colorado Springs; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held Oct. 10, 2003, at the Hayden Congregational Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hayden Congregational Church or the Hayden Museum in care of Grant Mortuary, 621 Yampa Ave., Craig, CO 81625.