James Alan Sloan, 63, passed away peacefully at his home in Kalispell surrounded by his family, on Monday, Feb. 22, 2010, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Jim was born in Missoula, the son of Joseph and Doris (Nicola) Sloan. At a young age the family moved to the Flathead Valley. He attended St. Matthew s Elementary School and graduated from Flathead High School. He graduated from Gonzaga University and became a lifelong fan of the Zags, providing many enjoyable trips to watch them play. Jim was the oldest of four boys born to Joe Sloan and Doris Sloan. After graduation from Gonzaga, Jim joined the family business, Sloan s Appliance in Kalispell, where he never failed to build a friendship with a customer. With lighthearted ads that touted a sale so bright you d have to wear shades, to selling freezers from the middle of a farmer s corn field, Jim never failed to bring a smile to your face in his efforts to build the business. Jim, feeling the urge to change the world in 1974, was elected and represented Kalispell in the Montana State Legislature where he met his wife, Virginia Burns. Jim and Virginia were married in 1978 and had two boys, the lights of his life, Nathan, Missoula and Peter, San Diego. Jim was an avid sailor and was a charter member of the North Flathead Yacht Club in Somers. Family and friends spent many good times sharing the thrill of racing or the joy of relaxing and enjoying the beauty of Flathead Lake. The wind at his back, he loved to share his love of sailing with anyone willing to go along for the ride. Jim treasured his boys, as well as their friends and families. His love for sports began early in life, playing all sports. He coached Little League baseball and cherished the thrill of watching kids compete, and felt compelled to use the baseball field to teach lessons in life. Through his coaching and active participation as a fan, he made many lifelong friends. Jim would wish everyone the joy of being part of a kid s sports adventure and all the relationships built as a result. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Sloan; and his niece, Bailey Sloan. Jim will forever be remembered by his wife, Virginia; his mother, Doris Sloan; his brothers, Mike, Steve and Bob; children, Nathan and Peter; along with countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know him. Jim was a wonderful son, husband, father, coach, boss, co-worker and boat captain. He loved listening to Jimmy Buffet and classic rock. He touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity, and maintained his trademark smile and sense of humor all the way to the end. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 26, at St. Matthew s Church, Kalispell, with a reception to follow at Red s Wines and Blues, 30 Second Street East. The family requests all memorials be sent to Kids Sports, P.O. Box 1205 c/o Dan Johns, Kalispell, MT 59903. Go Griz! Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Jim s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Jim s tribute wall.