Earl James Chase, D.D.S., passed away Sept. 20, 2008, in his home in San Carlos, Mexico, at the age of 84.
Jim was born Dec. 5, 1923, in the small town of Colfax, Calif. He spent winters with his mother and attended school in Van Nuys, Calif. Jim had a great love for the outdoors and spent his summers back in Colfax with his father and grandfather, hunting and fishing.
Jim attended the University of Southern California, where he played football. His dream of playing pro ball for the Rams was postponed by World War II and he joined the Navy to fight for the country he loved. When the war ended he returned to Van Nuys and married Patsy, the love of his life, on April 28, 1945. He continued his education and graduated from USC. He then moved to San Francisco and graduated from the University of Pacific School of Physicians and Surgeons, earning a degree in dentistry. After graduating from the school of dentistry, Jim and Patsy moved to Fair Oaks, Calif., where Jim practiced pediatric dentistry for 20 years.
Jim was an avid golfer. He was a member and past president of Northridge Country Club. He was an active alumnus to UOP. During his career, Jim made numerous trips abroad, offering his dental skills to children in need.
Jim and Pat moved to the Wood River Valley in 1978 to be near his children. He spent many hours hunting and fishing. Winters were spent in San Carlos, Mexico, where he and his wife enjoyed golfing. He never knew a stranger, his door was always open and he loved talking (in Spanish or English) with all who dropped by.
Jim and Pat lived a happy and loving life together for 61 years and he will be greatly missed.
Surviving family members include two daughters, Kathie (Rich) Gouley of Bellevue and Colleen (Gary) Moore of Pilot Hill, Calif; one son, Mike Chase of Hailey; four grandchildren: Kathie's children, Amy Gouley of Pasadena, Calif., and Chase Gouley of Hailey; and Mike's children, Nick and McKenna Chase of Hailey. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; his mother, Francis McDonald; and his father and stepmother, Earl and Margie Chase.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7, at St. Charles Catholic Church in Hailey with Rev. Jorge Garcia officiating. Interment will follow at the Hailey Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of Wood River Chapel of Hailey.
