James "Jim" Sailer

JIM SAILER Click here to view Jim's Video Tribute IDAHO FALLS, ID -- James Esmond Sailer, 52, of Idaho Falls, died February 23, 2010, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Jim was born on August 11, 1957, in Flemington, New Jersey, to Norris Hampton Sailer and Alice Whitman Sailer, the middle sibling to his older brother, Edward, and his younger sister, Nell. He grew up in Mountainville, New Jersey, a rural part of Western New Jersey, and while very young played hockey nearby at the Essex Hunt Club. His love of the outdoors was fostered from his earliest childhood, and he and his family spent nearly every summer in Ashville, Maine, with his Grandparents, though he spent a few summers at Camp Falcon in New Brunswick, Canada. He spent many long hours riding his go-kart and mini bike in the back field, and he was taught how to repair both by his father, giving him the beginnings of a life long interest in repairing and restoring antique cars; he kept both an Austin-Healey Sprite and an Austin Mini in his youth, a car combination he returned to later in life. His father also taught him how to target shoot in the backyard, a hobby that grew into a passion for hunting. He also learned to fly-fish in the local trout streams in NJ, which he continued to love when he moved to Montana and Idaho. He attended the Gill Middle School in New Jersey, and high school at Millbrook School in New York state. While at Millbrook he worked and studied at the school's zoo, developing a keen interest in wildlife and the environment, and raising raptors as a falconer. He also became a talented fiddle and mandolin player, and continued playing the mandolin his entire life. Jim attended the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana, and while obtaining his Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Biology, kept a yellow lab and multiple raptors, including red tails, kestrels, and a prairie-peregrine falcon hybrid named Rostamand. He continued fly-fishing while in Montana, and became even more involved with the outdoors by white-water kayaking, hunting elk in the surrounding mountains, living in a tepee for a few months in Missoula. He worked as a wildlife biologist while attending U of M tracking grizzly bears in Montana; following graduation, he continued this work rappelling down cliffs in Utah to study nesting habits of peregrine falcons, and tackling exuberant black bear cubs in Maine while his colleagues attached radio collars to the cubs' hibernating mothers. While attending University of Montana, he fell in love with Sarah Brettholle; his masterful grilling of elk steak and serenading on the mandolin proved to be irresistible, and they were married on August 20, 1983 at the Heinz Chapel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They lived in Maine for a short time, and briefly lived in Missoula before buying a house in New Jersey. There they had their son, Logan, in 1986, and daughter, Brooke, in 1989. Jim worked as an environmental engineer with his brother in New Jersey, until 1991 when the beauty of the West drew Jim and his family to Idaho Falls, Idaho. Once in Idaho, Jim began sharing his love of the outdoors with his children. He took every opportunity to go hiking with his family, and would gladly carry his youngest child on his back if it meant they would be outdoors. His youngest son Cooper was born in 1996, and the entire family was soon involved in trips to the local reservoir for boating and the Tetons for hiking and skiing. He was an ardent mountaineer, and took both Logan and Brooke on climbs up the Grand Teton, and looked forward to doing the same for Cooper. He adored snow skiing, and on any good snow day could be found strapping on his skis to hit the slopes at Targhee and Jackson. He relished the variety and excitement of diverse areas, and skied in Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia. Jim also was an enthusiastic backcountry skier and could be found shushing Teton couloirs or cutting sweeping turns on the korn snow of the Washington volcanoes. Heli-skiing in British Columbia was a natural progression, and he recently attained a personal goal of one million vertical feet skied in the Gothic, Monashee, and Adamant Ranges. Beyond his skills, interests, and abilities, what defined Jim the most was his character and personality. Down-to-earth, friendly, dependable, respectable, energetic, and up-beat are terms one would use to describe him. But what most people remember who have met him, and what endeared him to friends, family, and acquaintances was Jim's radiant smile. It was his smile that one remembered after meeting him. And it was his smile that one looked forward to in meeting him again. His smile was a reflection not only of his personality and character, but of the joy he brought to and received from everyone who knew him. Like the Cheshire cat, Jim's smile remained with you long after he departed. Jim Sailer was loved deeply by his family and friends, and will be sorely missed. He always felt most at home in the Tetons or on the ski-slopes, and that is where he will always be remembered. Jim is survived by his wife, Sally Sailer, and their three children, Logan, Brooke, and Cooper. He was preceded in death by his father Norris, and survived by his mother, Alice. He is survived by his brother, Ted, and sister, Nell Kleinhans; Ted's wife, Nancy; Nell's husband, Bob, and their two children, John and Ellie; and Sally's brother Frank, his wife, Tina, and their daughter, Laura. To honor Jim and his love of the outdoors, the family respectfully asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to either the Teton Regional Land Trust at: www.tetonlandtrust.org or the Peregrine Fund, online at: www.peregrinefund.org. Memorial Services and Celebration of Life will be held at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, February 27, 2010, at the Idaho Falls First Presbyterian Church, 325 Elm Street, with Reverend Dr. Dennis Falasco officiating. The family will visit with friends for one hour prior to services at the church. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Tim Richards timtrichards@gmail.com Dear Sally, I grew up with Jim in New Jersey and we also went to Millbrook school together. In my mind I still see the class pictures of all of us at Far Hills Country Day School and the slim memories of us making it to class once in awhile at Millbrook School! Although Jim and I lost touch over the years, I still counted him as a loyal friend and one that we could always pick-up where we left off.. He was always somebody with a smile and he never hesitated from taking a friendly jab at his friends. His spirit will always be with me and the rest of us from the 'neighborhood' and I'll always remember him this way. I'm a better person for knowing him. My best wishes to you and your family and I hope to meet you some day. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Tim Ira Koplow ikoplow@cox.net Heartfelt sympathy to all of you at this most trying time. We considered ourselves lucky to know Jim and spend so much time with him. You are in our thoughts and prayers dear friends. Ira, Ann, Katie and Ricky Guyton Thorne guytont@comcast.net I am very sad to hear the news about Jim. I attended Millbrook School with Jim and can’t ever remember seeing him without a smile on his face and a positive attitude toward life. Jim got along well with everyone and will be dearly missed by those whose lives he touched. My sincere condolences to Ted and the rest of the family. Warmest Regards, Guyton Thorne Janice & Dan Shirley j.shirley1@yahoo.com Sally, Logan, Brooke & Cooper My heart is breaking for your loss...You are in my thoughts and prayers. Janice Marilyn and Bill Houlihan mhoulihan@cableone.net Sally, we are so very sorry to learn of your husbands death. We didn't know him, but just knowing you and how caring and loving you are we are sure he was also. Your dear mother, being our neighbor brought us to be friends. We are deeply sorry and offer our prayers for you and your family. Marilyn & Bill Houlihan, 4012 Tuscany Drive, Idaho Falls, ID 83404 Susan Leckband sueleckband@hotmail.com I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Jim at Hanford. He was a great guy -always quick to smile, especially when talking about his wonderful family and his love of outdoors & skiing. Sincerely, Susan Leckband, Benton City, WA Caroline Kittredge cfkittredge@yahoo.com Dear Sailer Family, I knew Jim through Millbrook '77. I had not seen him since then but had corresponded via e-mail with him several years back and he sounded so happy and was doing all these exciting, adventurous things out west. I was so happy to hear that. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Jim as being a person SO full of life, who had no fear of it so he could enjoy it to the fullest. He always had a smile on his face and always was there to help people. I remember his love of sports, skiing, the outdoors, animals and his cute little car. Yesterday was what would have been my boyfriend/partner's 50th birthday. He died suddenly of a heart attack last August. He was a carpenter and seemed very fit so it was a shock. So I understand a little of what you must be going through. But, to lose a child must be the worst thing in life, so please know my heart goes out to you and yours. I've learned through my loss that we must cherish every single day and always tell the ones we love that we love them. The memories keep them alive in our hearts always and they are at peace now, skiing in the clouds up there somewhere is how I like to think of it. I am in New Hampshire and so am sorry I will not be able to attend the services. Best wishes, Sincerely, Caroline (Kitty) Kittredge Walter Hudnett hudnett2004@yahoo.com It is with a very heavy heart I send my condolences for the passing of Jim. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten. My prayers go out to you. Peter Cook pseacook@comcast.net I am so sorry to hear about Jim. Jim was a good friend, a solid human being, and someone who loved his family very much. Jim and I went to Millbrook together. We started playing music together, he was on mandolin and I was on fiddle. Jim's kind spirit will always be a part of us. Take care, Peter Cook Chuck & Becky Peebles cpeebles30@hotmail.com We are shocked and saddened by the news of Jim's passing. Your family is in our prayers. Rebecca (Becky) Winston rebeccawinston@yahoo.com As many say, words cannot express our sorrow for your loss. Jim was an exceptionally nice guy. Phil and I both enjoyed the opportunity to know him, and we will continue to know him through Logan. Joe feels inadequate to express his sympathy for the loss Logan is experiencing. If you need anything, please let us know. We are both on travel and will not be able to attend the service in person, but know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Phil, Becky, Alex, and Joe Winston Janet Marsh What a loss. I am a friend of Jim's mom, here in CT. I never had the privilege of meeting Jim when he was out here at his mom's birthday party, but from what I have read, it was my loss. What a special son, father, friend and husband he must have been. I am sure he made a difference in a great many lives. It sounds like he lived life to the fullest each and every day and shared that love of life with his family. He is a reflection of his mom (and I'm sure his dad) who is an inspiration to all who know her. I share your sadness at the loss of such a fine human being. Shirley Evans saevans@snet.net I am a friend fo Allie Sailer and I met James at Allie's 85th birthday party. My sincere sympathy and prayers are with you. He was such an outgoing person and I could tell he really enjoyed life. The Lord acts in funny ways and sometimes it does not seem fair, but I am sure Jim is in a wonderful place and peaceful. Kathy O'Reilly koreilly1@mac.com "I'm going home like a shooting star." - Sojourner Truth I will always remember Jim as this. In the brief time I knew him, he created an impression. He was a man who truly knew what it meant to live each moment to its fullest. His devotion to his children and his family was exemplary. His personal kindness to me as well as my family is something I will never, ever forget. Dr. Ted Ritota ted@heliskier.com What a shock to hear of Jim's passing. I remember Jim the first time he went heliskiing with my group in British Columbia. He has that ever-present huge smile and came up to me and whispered almost in disbelief; "This is awesome." Little did I know how hooked he would become to heliskiing and Jim was considered an integral part or our "Early December Gothics" group. The entire group has been shocked with this news. I know he was a keen dad as we often talked about our kids together. To Sally my deepest sympathy, to Logan, Brooke, and Cooper, be strong, your dad would not want anything else. As I emailed to our group: Please remember Jim for his never ending positive energy and the omnipresent huge smile!!! He was a great friend a member of our "Early Dec Gothics" group and he will be missed! Our Prayers are with you, Ted & Lisa Ritota Laurie & Scott Anderson andersonsinidaho@msn.com Dear Sally, Cooper, Brooke, and Logan, We are so saddened for your loss, Jim was so full of life-- We will always think of him smiling and skiing at Targhee! Carol Watson & Liz Shipman sunfish_sailor@hotmail.com Dear Sally, My heart hurts for you, dear friend. Liz and I are so sorry for your great loss. You and your family are in our prayers. Mary Jo Curran, MD mjcmd11@yahoo.co.uk I had the pleasure if skiing with Jim in December 2009 at the Gothics. I was with him when he crossed the million foot mark. He was absolutely delightful and uplifting to be around. He spoke highly of his family and he loved them very much. He will be sorely missed in the early Gothics trip. My deepest sympathy to his family. Mary Jo Curran, MD Joe and Jacie Sites jfsites@msn.com Sally, our hearts and prayers go out to you and the kids at your great loss. I always enjoyed my visits with Jim in the shop. He was always curious of what I was working on and interested in fiddle repairs. We will miss him . Andrea Hopkins Andrea_M_Hopkins@RL.gov Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. I worked with Jim on an important environmental project at Hanford. He was a delight and brought order out of chaos. His work was critical for the success of the project. His bright smile, his quick mind and his respect for others are highlights I noticed about him. I will keep him in my heart. Andrea Hopkins Rocky Cooper racooper@telus.net My thoughts are with you at this time. I had the privilege of flying Jim heli-skiing for the last 10 years. He came as a guest, but soon became a very dear friend. Bob Anthony ranthony@millbrook.org All of us at Millbrook are so sorry to learn the news of Jim's untimely death. He was way too young, energetic, and vital to leave us all at this juncture. Jim was an enthusiastic and loyal alumnus and parent of Logan and he will miss him dearly. We send the entire Sailer family our deepest sympathies and we will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. I will remember the happy times we enjoyed with you, and I will cherish the great memories of Jim and his contagious smile and youthful outlook forever. Bob Anthony Dir. of Development/Alumni Affairs Millbrook School Millbrook, NY 12545 Juliet and Scott Cullins juliet@canyonmedia.us Dearest Sally, Logan, Brooke and Cooper, We are so deeply sorry about Jim's passing. We have such wonderful memories of Jim, having recently skied with him at Targhee. Jim's quick smile and great sense of humor will be missed. His bright orange ski jacket and zest for life will not be forgotten. With much love and sadness, Juliet, Scott, Gradey and Connor Cheryl Gordon Sally--What a sudden shock in the passing of Jim for all of us, but especially for you and the children. My heart goes out to you and my prayers are with you and your family. You know I am near by, so please let me know if I can help you in anyway. Cheryl Jim Honeyman jhoneyman2b@charter.net I worked intermittently with Jim on his every couple of weeks up here in Richland working with CH2MHILL. While I only knew Jim for 18 months or so, Jim infectious positive attitude and ever-present smile made our work activities fun. We quickly found that we shared an interest in the mandolin and acoustic music in general, and spent many hours comparing mandolins in our collections, discussing the great players, discussing the good builders around the country, and swapping music. When my bluegrass/acoustic band, Badger Mountain Dry Band, produced a concert with Matt Flinner and his group last fall, Jim arranged his travel schedule so that he could be here and hear both us and Matt's group play. Jim was a consummate professional environmental regulatory expert, a musician, a fascinating conversationalist, and a great friend. We'll all miss him up here at CH2MHILL in Richland, Washington. Stefanie Davies stefanie59@q.com I am so incredibly sorry Sally, Logan, Brooke and Cooper. Know that I am thinking of you constantly and keeping you close. If there is anything I can do, anything, please ask. I love you guys. Dixie Bird birdnest54@hotmail.com I first met Jim when he came to see Dr. Phil. He was always kind and patient, and always had a smile on his face. He used to tell me he was going to see if he could talk Phil into going with him heli-skiing. He was always talking about his beautiful family, and was so proud of you all! My heart and prayers are with you-we will all miss him. Dixie Bill Heffern wjheffco@aol.com Dear Sally . . . Fall 1976, Jim and I met as freshman at Hobart College in Geneva, NY. Whenever I think about my freshman year at College I am always thinking of Jimmy. I considered him "my best friend" in those days. When he transferred-out during that first Winter, I clearly recall how painfully sad I felt. We soon lost touch, but I never forgot him . . . his good spirits, easy-going manner . . . the mandolin playing and 'the bird' stories. About a year-and-a-half ago I was in Shanghai sitting with a high school friend, Rudi VonMeister, and somehow Jim's name came-up. Rudi not only knew him but was in contact. Jim and I soon spoke on the phone and exchanged an email or two. It was really amazing; 32 years had gone-by, but it was the same-ole Jimmy I admired and missed . . . David Watson davemarwatson@hotmail.com Jim was certainly a one of kind and a very uplifting and outgoing friend. I worked with Jim a lot in the past 7 years and know over many of Subway sandwiches what an outstanding family he has. My sorrows are with all of you. Zagula Family kt@zagula.myrf.net You have our deepest sympathy and our thoughts are with you. We will miss Jim as well. Tom, Kelley, Drew, KaliJo & Benton Steve McLaughlin [sjmclaughlin@optonline.net] Please accept my condolences on the untimely passing of Jim. The following poem, Around the Corner, was written by Charles Hanson Towne (1877 – 1949) and sums up this sad event. Around the corner I have a friend, In this great city that has no end, Yet the days go by and weeks rush on, And before I know it, a year is gone. And I never see my old friends face, For life is a swift and terrible race, He knows I like him just as well, As in the days when I rang his bell. And he rang mine but we were younger then, And now we are busy, tired men. Tired of playing a foolish game, Tired of trying to make a name. "Tomorrow" I say! "I will call on Jim Just to show that I'm thinking of him", But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes, And distance between us grows and grows. Around the corner, yet miles away, "Here's a telegram sir," "Jim died today." And that's what we get and deserve in the end. Around the corner, a vanished friend. Stephen J. McLaughlin (sjmclaughlin@optonline.net) 9 Oak Park Avenue Darien, CT 06820 Millbrook School / Class of 1976 Doug and Willettia Amos Philippians 4:6-7 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Sally, We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing and the loss of your love. I hope that the passage above comforts you and your family one day. Jim lived life and loved his family! The love and pride that he had for his family radiated through his unforgettable smile. We are thankful to have known Jim through the years; those delightful moments have impacted our lives forever. We will miss him tremendously. Tim Leahy tjleahy@mac.com Sally, Logan, Brooke, and Cooper Jim was a remarkable man, and a great friend. In my many conversations with him, it was always apparent that he put his family first. He was truly an inspirational guy. We are all better for having known him, and he will be greatly missed. Please accept my sincerest condolences, and don't hesitate to call on us any time if there is anything we can do to be helpful to you. Tim Leahy John Atchison jda@srv.net My deepest sympathies to all of Jim's family, as he left too early in life with many things still to do. I worked with Jim for 5 years at Xron Associates and greatly enjoyed the experience and time spent with Jim. We had lunch just a few weeks ago and were planning on getting him out to the race track this summer, which I am sure he would have enjoyed. May peace be with you in the long journey ahead. Eloise Hayes eloisehayes@cableone.net I had the pleasure of knowing Jim through seeing him at the Apple Athletic Club. He always had that famous smile on his face and an encouraging word. He will be missed greatly. The Tuesday/Thursday noon spinning class is not the same without him. My prayer is for God to provide you with His peace and comfort in your lives. Sincerely, Eloise Hayes John Morgan morgane@cableone.net Dear Sally, Logan, Brooke and Cooper. I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I did not know Jim as well as I would have liked, but I knew the first time I met him that he was someone that you very much wanted to be with and come to know. I am so sorry that I didn't take or continue that opportunity the way that I should have. It was a pleasure working with him and he truly will be missed. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and please let me know if there is anything I can do. Jim was a man to be admired and remembered . God Bless your family John Morgan Jessica (Hayward) Jensen djjensen77@hotmail.com I think of your family often and how special Jim, Sally and the kids where to me. I am so sorry for the loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. May Love and peace fill your hearts. Deepest Sympathy. Jessica (Hayward) Jensen and Family Jeff Mauk Sally, I am absolutely stunned. Jim was one of the most vibrant and alive people that I know. I loved him - everybody loved him, and I cannot imagine the shock and grief that you are all going through. I am so sorry. Jeff Martha Reisenauer I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I worked with him back in 1991 at SCIENTECH. I found Jim to be a wonderful person with a great love of the outdoors. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Martha Reisenauer Greg Boyd gregboyd2007@yahoo.com I know it is hard for you to lose a loved one like Jim, who passed so early. Even though we were not close friends in the last 25 years, we did have some fun in college at U of Mont. He was the sort of person that injected so much "real" life into living that a lasting and positive impression of lifelong camaraderie cemented the friendships he made. He was the one who didn't just tote his old Gibson into the jam in Missoula - he was the one who educated everyone on just what an old Gibson F-2 mandolin was, why and how it differed from other models, and which model was which. Getting phone calls from Jim in recent years made the awkward years of no contact melt away - he was just the same good Jim... energetic, happy, thoughtful, and always extremely interesting to spend time with. I just hate it that he's gone... but what a lucky man to be Jim Sailer, who never waited - he 'did' things... and did them well... I cannot think of him without thinking words like, "finest," "quality," "genuine." He was just the best sort. Carolyn Depperschmidt deppercd@ida.net So shocked to learn of Jim's passing. Just remembering good hockey times. Our thoughts are with you. The Depperschmidts Tara & John Castner jcastner@embarqmail.com Words can't express how we feel about Jim's sudden passing. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you. Though we haven't kept in touch, we think of you often. We have a lot of fond memories of times together. Love Tara and John Katie Field ktfield@tds.net I am Jim's cousin. My mother is Nell, Alice's sister. I am deeply saddened by the news of Jim's death. I don't remember him because of circumstances in my family, but I am sure we met more than once in Ashville, ME. I was moved by the video. It was a wonderful chance to get to know him a little. My prayers are with you all as I am sure you miss him terribly. Cherish your memories and carry on his legacy. May you find the peace of God through this time. Sincerely, Katie Field