SPOKANE, Wash. — James D. Tonolini Jr., 56, of Spokane, Wash., died March 26, in Spokane.

He was born Oct. 24, 1954, in Rumford, the son of James and Lorette (Martineau) Tonolini. Jim was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for hunting and most notably, fishing. While living in New England, he fished on a competitive bass circuit, where he received many honors and awards.

After moving to Washington State, he happily embraced salmon, steelhead and sturgeon fishing as well. He was never happier than when he was on the water with a good friend and a fishing pole in hand.

He spent his childhood and adolescent years in Mexico, enjoying the great outdoors and making lifelong friends. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and enjoyed a highly distinguished career serving his country. He served during both the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf Conflict, before retiring in 1992. He then moved to Spokane, Wash., to be closer to family.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Brenda Halalett Tonolini, formerly of Rumford; two daughters, Susan (Philippe) Nault of Ottawa, Canada, and Sheri Frantilla (Nikki Williams) of Spokane; four grandchildren, Seth, Michelle, Christina and Ryan; many loyal friends; he also leaves behind a special stepmother, Sylvia Tonolini; and two loving sisters, Tina Payton of Mexico and Linda Tonolini of Lake Worth, Fla.