Larry James “Jim” Hliboki, 82, passed away on Jan. 16, 2023, in Montesano, Washington at his family home that he lived in for more than 60 years.

He was born on May 19, 1940, in Elma, Washington to the late Andrew “Andy” and Edna (LaBrec) Hliboki. He graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1958 where he met and later married his high school sweetheart, JoAnn Bebich. Together they enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage.

They lived in Aberdeen until 1963, when they moved to Montesano and bought their home where they raised three children and resided until his passing.

In 1958, he began his career at Whitney’s where he worked for more than 40 years. During those years, you may have seen him filling gas tanks, ordering parts, managing your service repairs or helping you find your family car.

He was an active member of the Montesano Moose Lodge and served as the vice president of the Kelsey Foundation for many years.

Jim had an outgoing personality and a sharp mind. If he met you once he would remember your name, where you worked, your kids’ names and possibly the day you were born.

In his younger years he enjoyed bowling, pool and slow pitch. He would never turn down a competitive game of cribbage or a day trip to the casino. He was known for his love of the outdoors. You could find him hunting, traveling the middle Satsop Road numerous times a day and maintaining the picnic grounds for his family and friends to enjoy. He and JoAnn enjoyed traveling to their condo in Maui, Hawaii for 20 consecutive years.

Jim is survived by his three children Teresa (Ken) Frafjord of Montesano, Michael (Jonna) Hliboki of Hoquiam and Julie (Steve) Randich of Olympia. He has six grandchildren: Bradley (Brit) Frafjord, Kaylee (Daniel) Tobin, Michaela Hliboki, Kelsey Randich, Riley Randich and Hannah (Chase) Watters and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sister-in-law Verna McArthur of Vancouver, brother-in-law Stephen (Leslie) Bebich of Hoquiam, sister-in-law Pennie Hliboki of Olympia, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife JoAnn, and brothers Richard (Dick) and Gerald (Jerry) Hliboki.

The family would like to thank the Montesano Fire and Police Departments and Dr. Philip Gibbs and staff for the many years of care.

A very special thank you to Tracey Sundberg. You provided little rays of sunshine to him every day for the past three years. Thank you for taking such good care of “Unk.”

And to the Moose, thank you for being his home away from home and second family for so many years.

He will be laid to rest at the Satsop Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held on Jan. 30, at the Montesano Moose Lodge from 12 to 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Montesano Moose Lodge #12 in memory of Jim Hliboki for use in upcoming local kids festivities and events (PO Box 587, Montesano, WA 98563) or the Montesano Community Center (314 S. Main St., Montesano, WA 98563).