Obituary of James HILDEBRAND

James "Jim" W. Hildebrand, passed away peacefully in his home on August 29, 2009. He was born on November 5, 1933 in Newton, IA; to Henry and Olive Hildebrand. After graduating high school, Jim went to work for the Maytag Company, attended classes at Drake University and was a member of the Iowa National Guard. In February of 1963, Jim and his wife Sharon packed up their 1959 Chevy and moved to the California desert with their 3 month old daughter to work for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. After many years of living between Julian Hinds Camp and Iron Mountain they moved to Intake on the lake in 1971, where they lived until he retired in October 1994 as a station chief and moved to Lake Havasu City, AZ. Jim had many hobbies and interest throughout his life. He enjoyed boating, water skiing, bowling,Nascar, racing go-karts, growing tomatoes in his green house, flying and building big, model airplanes, touring on his Honda Aspencade with his wife and later absolutely loved to ride his Harley.Jim is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Sharon; daughter, Christie Smith and husband Michael of Ridgecrest, CA; granddaughter Brittany of Ridgecrest, CA; sister, Irene Kingery of Newton, IA; sons, Dennis Hildebrand and wife Lori of Newton, IA; Scott Hildebrand and wife Sandy of Oskaloosa, IA; and his dog, Muffy. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Lucille, Imogene, Louise, Joann and brother, William.Jim had a wonderful life and will be painfully missed by his family.The family is having a private celebration in his memory.In lieu of flowers, please make donations to New Hope Hospice, 500 N. Lake Havasu Ave., #B106, Lake Havasu City, AZ. 86403Condolences and thoughts can be made to his family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.comArrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.