 HONTAS, JAMES MIKE Born: June 7, 1929 Died: Dec. 12, 2014 Beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away of natural causes, surrounded by family at home; he was 85 years old. He is survived by his wife Vicki; children; and grandchildren. Jim worked 32 years as shop supervisor at the University of New Mexico Physics and Astronomy department. After graduating Albuquerque High in 1947, Jim started playing double bass for the Albuquerque Symphony Orchestra, then played with several dance bands and combos. Later he played with the Roswell Symphony, San Juan Symphony, Southwest Symphony, El Paso Symphony, and the Las Cruces Symphony. He also performed with the Bloomsburg University Chamber Orchestra at Sea, Chamberre in the Mountains, and Eastern New Mexico University Orchestra. Locally he played with the Albuquerque Civic Light Opera, Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra, UNM Faculty Follies, and chamber group 'Quartetto Con Brio'. Choral groups started with 'The Enchanters', then the UNM Chorus, performing at many venues in the US including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York City. He also performed with the Albuquerque Festival Singers throughout Europe. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra or the UNM Chorus. We wish to thank the Presbyterian Hospice Care Team for their compassionate care, as well as the aid and assistance of neighbors and friends. Please visit Jim's complete obituary at: www.danielsfuneral.com. Service will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2014, 4:00 pm, at Strong-Thorne Chapel, 1100 Coal Ave SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico . Interment will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2014, 10:30am at Fairview Memorial Park, Albuquerque, New Mexico. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Strong -Thorne Chapel 1100 Coal Ave SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 505-842-8800
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