James Ford Orton, 74

James Ford Orton, 74, passed away, Monday, April 23, 2007, in Sandpoint, Idaho, after a long illness. Private family services have been held.

Jim was born in Bridgeport, Conn., the son of Burton and Georgia (Smith) Orton on Dec. 16, 1932.

He was educated in Bridgeport and worked as a car service manager for Chevrolet. Later he was self employed in a successful home improvement business for many years.

Jim married Alice Mach and they had two children, Catherine and Michael. Mr. Orton served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.

In 1993 Jim married Annette Lewis in California and the couple moved to Hope, Idaho, and three years later to Sandpoint.

He enjoyed boating on Lake Pend Oreille and in Montana. Jim was an excellent hunter and fisherman in his earlier years in Connecticut and Canada. Most of his fishing was on Long Island Sound on the East Coast.

While in Idaho, Jim enjoyed many car trips including Banff and Lake Louise.

He also took trips to Florida, New England, California and Alaska.

He is survived by his wife, Annette Orton of Sandpoint; a daughter, Cathy (Ken) Horton of Sagle, Idaho; a son, Michael (Rita) Orton of Yucaipa, Calif.; three grandsons and two granddaughters; a brother, Clinton Orton of Florida; and three step-children and three step-granddaughters.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements.

Please visit Jim's memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his online guest book.