Obituary of James F Voelzer

OBITUARY JAMES FREDERICK VOELZER Mr. James F, Voelzer died in Vancouver, Washington, on January 03, 2021, at the age of 80. Son of Meryl W. Voelzer and Lucille G. Voelzer, deceased, Jim is survived by his wife Magaly M, Ojeda C, his stepdaughter, Laura Grethe Ojeda and stephson, Rolando Grethe Ojeda, his sister Joanne B. Ricker, his brother in law, Gary Ricker, his niece Kim (Brian) Hutton and nephew Scott (Kelly) Ricker. Born in Niagara Falls, New York, in 1940, he started fishing and hunting with his dad an early age. It framed his love for outdoor and nature and, ultimately, lead him to what is going to become his career. Jim obtained his Wildlife degree from the Utah State University, at Logan. He went through the ROTC program, what lead him to flight school in the Army. Jim flew as Army Test pilot in California and was shipped to Vietnam in 1965, flying low-level reconnaissance missions over enemy positions in the L-19Bird Dog. He was honorably discharge from the Army in 1966 as 1st LT. Thereafter, he started his incredible career as Wildlife Biologist–Aircraft Pilot and worked for the Fish and Wildlife Service. In this role, he was able to fly a variety of aircraft to survey wildlife in wilderness and remote areas from Alaska to Central America, and had a first-hand role in establishing hunting regulations and other natural resource policies applicable to Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Midway through his career, Jim was tasked as Chief of what came to be known as the Branch of Migratory Bird Surveys, in which he was essentially responsible for most of the aerial wildlife surveys and waterfowl banding programs throughout North America. His legacy continues to live on through those he hired and mentored that are still serving in these roles. After his retirement, in January 2006, a hunter and fisherman through his life, he continued his outdoor activities and support to waterfowl management and conservation. He remarried in 2007 to Magaly, and together shared their common interest and love for outdoor activities. A cremation without formal services is planned, but friends, colleagues, and loved ones are invited to share stories and condolences via the Obituary and Message Board created and preserved by Cascadia Cremation & Burial in Vancouver, Washington <CascadiaCremation.com>. Those who wish to remember him in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the National Rifle Association.