George James Vila

Jim Vila passed peacefully after his long bout with cancer on Thursday, October 24th, 2024. Jim was born in Albany, California on November 11, 1949, to George and Bernice Vila. After college, Jim embarked on an adventurous road trip with his cousin Joe Vila which ultimately led him to the Wood River Valley in 1973. Jim was an avid and quite elegant snow and slalom course water skier. 

As an enthusiastic slalom course water skier Jim could be counted on to be the first ready to do whatever it took to get the boat on the water, fix the dock or adjust the buoys. He was a most dependable water ski partner because he was always in his boat willing to pull you or ready to ski himself. Jim was more than a dependable water ski partner- he was a great partner.

A true Bald Mountain man. You didn’t often see Jim on the groomers, but you sure saw a lot of him in the glades, off piste and sliding down those spots not everyone knows about. He was regularly on the 9 am chairlift and knew where to find the powder and rip that untracked pow up. He had a solid group of friends who met up annually for an Alta ski trip. It was consistently one of his yearly highlights.

Jim found gratification during his time spent as a builder/contractor. Jim was a skilled craftsman and could build or fix just about anything, especially with his beloved dog(s) by his side. He loved nature and was in awe each time the elk passed through his yard. He enjoyed watching the radar and his family always counted on him for the most reliable weather forecast. Jim lit up whenever he saw his grandchildren, they always had lots to tell and show him and he will be forever in their hearts.

Anyone who knew Jim described him as kind, genuine, humble, dependable and stoic. He was always positive and handled hardships with grace. Jim would greet everyone in his orbit with genuine warmth. 

Jim leaves behind his wife Deborah, two stepdaughters, Kiele (Zach Flechsig), Teal (Mike Houchin), his three grandchildren, Josephine, Waverly and Michael, brother Bob (Cathie Vila), niece Cherolyn, and sister Elaine. 

Services for Jim Vila will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, Sun Valley, ID, with luncheon to follow at the Our Lady of the Snows.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Higher Ground: https://www.highergroundusa.org/donate