James Calvin Tidquist

James was born on April 18, 1936, a son of Reinhold Adolph and Beatrice Tripp Tidquist.

He was a 1954 graduate of Jamestown High School. He received a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Degree from General Motors Institute (now Kettering University) in 1959. He was employed as a Manufacturing Engineer at the Harrison Radiator Division of General Motors Corporation in Lockport, NY until returning to Jamestown in 1960 where he worked in manufacturing engineering at the Blackstone Corporation. He retired from Valeo Engine Cooling in 1998. He also served in the Army Reserves.

James was a member of the Viking Ingjald Lodge IOV 65 for 64 years. He was also a member of the Herman Kent Post 777, the War Vets Rec, and the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club. He was a lifetime member of the Celoron Rod and Gun Club and the Jamestown Rifle Club and an endowment member of the NRA. He was an avid outdoorsman from the young age of 16. He was most passionate about bird hunting, particularly grouse and pheasant with his bird dogs Rufus and Rowdy.

James was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. Over the years he enjoyed sharing his love of history, reading and the outdoors with his children and grandchildren. For almost sixty years he made a yearly trip to Wyoming in the fall to the Palm Ranch, which became his home away from home. Here he and Sandy would gather with their dear friends, Burt and Kaylynn Palm, several families from Iowa, and his good friend Duncan Carlson. He enjoyed passing this tradition on to his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his children, Karin Ann Josephson (David) and Craig Douglas Tidquist, all in Jamestown, NY, and his grandchildren, Rebecca Christine Josephson of Brooklyn, NY and Graham Christopher Josephson of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Sandra Jean Johnson, whom he married on Dec. 2, 1961, and his brothers, Reinhold Adolph Tidquist, Jr. and David Tidquist.

Friends will be received from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 in the Lind Funeral Home. A private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers James’ family asks that you send memorial contributions to the Jamestown Rifle Club, 2882 Busti-Stillwater Rd., Jamestown, NY 14701 or to the Jamestown Prendergast Library, 509 Cherry Street, Jamestown, NY 14701. Condolences may be shared at www.lindfuneralhome.com.