James O. Houle

1939-2024

James O. Houle, age 84, of Medford, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024 at Colby Senior Care under the tender care of St. Croix Hospice. A Celebration of Life will be held in Oct. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements. Jim was born on Aug. 23, 1939, the son of Lloyd and Kathryn (Winzenburg) Houle in Brainerd, Minn. He attended St. Francis Junior High and graduated from Brainerd High School in 1957. Jim then went to Palm Springs, Calif., on a motorcycle and worked as a bellhop at a hotel. In 1969, he moved to Medford and worked at Weather Shield until his retirement in 2002. He also worked part time at Black River Industries. On Sept. 4, 1971, Jim was united in marriage to Barbara L. Zimpher in Medford. She preceded him in death on February 22, 2024.

Jim had a passion for music. He played guitar and sang in a band for many years. His band played at nursing homes, the Medford fair and other events in the area. Jim also was a martial arts teacher. He also earned his black belt and participated in karate tournaments. Jim especially loved going to the casino and neighborhood times with his friends, Stan, Pat, Mary and Gene. He really enjoyed the guys and Daisy the dog at the Colby Senior Care.

Jim is survived by his two sons, John Houle and Scott Houle both of Medford; his two brothers, Bob (Becky) Houle of Brainerd, Minn., and Tom (Mary) Houle of Medford; his four sisters-in-law, JoAnn Zimpher of Wickenburg, Ariz., Sharon Zimpher, Alice Houle of Bemidji, Minn., and Doreen Houle of Coon Rapids, Minn.; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Barbara; brothers, David Houle, Dick Houle, Don Houle; and father, Carroll Houle; and his sister, Julie (Earl) Williams.

The Houle family would like to thank the staff at Colby Senior Care, especially Darla, Mark, Ky, Sam, Andy, Cookie, Brett, Nikki, Hayden and Jenny and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate and exceptional care the family received.

Friends may send online condolences to www. maurinaschilling.com Paid Obituary 156759