- James (Jim) Joseph Arritola, 67 was born in Boise, Idaho on April 29, 1946 to Joe and Josephine Arritola.
He passed away May 18, 2013, after a long battle with diabetes.
Jim graduated from Borah High School in 1964. While in high school he excelled in football, wrestling and track/field. He continued his education at College of Idaho, where he also played football. He graduated from C of I in 1968 with a B.A. degree in English.
His first teaching job was at Vale High School, where he taught all levels of English. He also coached football, track/field, and wrestling. While head wrestling coach at VHS, he and George Fuson started the Vale Assassins Little Kids Wrestling Club. He also met his wife of 40 years, Kathy Goade . Together they had 2 sons, Joe (Theresa) Arritola, AJ Arritola, and a daughter Sarah (TJ) Rodriguez, 4 grandsons, Kaelleb, Joshawah, Mathieu, Thomas, and 1 granddaughter, Zettie.
After Jim’s teaching career he remained active in many other activities including; St. Patricks C.C.D, Malheur County Fair Board, Ontario Basque Club, Malheur County Council on Aging, and substitute teaching, he was especially fond of his substititute teaching in Jordan Valley/Arock, and driving for Standage Farms during the fall harvest. Jim enjoyed going to and watching BSU football games, he was an avid sheep breeder, who liked going to fairs and sales throughout the West, especially the Nugget Show/Sale in Reno.
Jim was very proud of his Basque heritage, his family, and his pride and joys his grandchildren. He loved watching them show at the fair, playing sports, or just spending time with them. The Arritola farm allowed Jim to teach his children and grandchildren many life lessons.
He is survived by his mother Josephine, his wife, 3 children, daughter in law, son in law, 5 grandchildren, sister Joene Arritola, niece Amy Romans, 2 nephews Tanner and Trevor Romans.
He was preceded in death by his father Joe, his stepfather Tom, his father in law AJ Goade, mother in law Dorothy Goade, and numerous aunts and uncles.
A Rosary will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Patricks Catholic Church is Vale, Oregon. A Mass of the Christian burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. on May 29, 2013 at St. Patricks in Vale.
A private burial will be done at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ontario Basque Club, or Malheur County Fair . Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lienkaemper-thomason.com.
THERE IS ONE HELL OF A VIKING FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF IN HEAVEN!
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1946 - 2013 (67 years)
(Age 44 years)