In Memory

Jim Tonkyn

Jim Tonkyn

JAMES TONKYN OBITUARY

James Tonkyn of Troy, MT and Lansing, NY died suddenly on July 27, 2022. He was 57 years old.

Jim was born in Morristown, NJ, the youngest of six children. He graduated from Ferris High School in Spokane, WA and was an enthusiastic athlete, excelling in many sports. He played basketball, soccer and tennis. Later he enjoyed ultimate frisbee and yoga. Jim earned a BS in Biology from the University of Washington in 1986 and worked in the biotechnology industry at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and later at Phyton Biotech. He was employed at Verra Therapeutics in Lansing NY but was working on a restoration construction project in Missoula MT when he unexpectedly died. Jim was interested in sustainable construction, building a straw bale house in Troy MT for his mother with many creative touches. He was also a devoted caretaker of his mother for a considerable time.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Richard Tonkyn and Carol Tonkyn and his brother, Dr. David Tonkyn. He is survived by his brothers, Michael (Laurie) of Spokane, WA, Russell (Jennifer) of Kennewick, WA and John (Sarah) of Albany, CA, sister Paula Festa (Joe) of Orlando, FL, sister in law Cynthia Gansser of Edisto, SC, partner Natalie Lester of Lansing, NY along with two nieces, five nephews and three grand nephews.A Celebration of Life is planned for September 24, 2022 at the Double J B&B at 16995 US 2 in Troy, MT from 2-5pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Cabinet Resource Group, Heifer International or a similar conservation group. Jim was most at home in the beauty of nature at Bull Lake, the Kootenai River and the Cedars.Jim will be remembered for his many passionate interests in science, politics, music, nature conservation and sports - by his friends far and wide (he always knew a guy) - and especially by his family who will miss him immensely.

James Tonkyn of Troy, MT and Lansing, NY died suddenly on July 27, 2022. He was 57 years old.Jim was born in Morristown, NJ, the youngest of six children. He graduated from Ferris High School in Spokane, WA and was an enthusiastic athlete, excelling in many sports. He played basketball, soccer and tennis. Later he enjoyed ultimate frisbee and yoga. Jim earned a BS in Biology from the University of Washington in 1986 and worked in the biotechnology industry at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and later at Phyton Biotech. He was employed at Verra Therapeutics in Lansing NY but was working on a restoration construction project in Missoula MT when he unexpectedly died. Jim was interested in sustainable construction, building a straw bale house in Troy MT for his mother with many creative touches. He was also a devoted caretaker of his mother for a considerable time.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Richard Tonkyn and Carol Tonkyn and his brother, Dr. David Tonkyn. He is survived by his brothers, Michael (Laurie) of Spokane, WA, Russell (Jennifer) of Kennewick, WA and John (Sarah) of Albany, CA, sister Paula Festa (Joe) of Orlando, FL, sister in law Cynthia Gansser of Edisto, SC, partner Natalie Lester of Lansing, NY along with two nieces, five nephews and three grand nephews.A Celebration of Life is planned for September 24, 2022 at the Double J B&B at 16995 US 2 in Troy, MT from 2-5pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Cabinet Resource Group, Heifer International or a similar conservation group. Jim was most at home in the beauty of nature at Bull Lake, the Kootenai River and the Cedars.

Jim will be remembered for his many passionate interests in science, politics, music, nature conservation and sports - by his friends far and wide (he always knew a guy) - and especially by his family who will miss him immensely.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/spokesman/name/james-tonkyn-obituary?id=36412549