Nov. 16, 1932 — Jan. 28, 2008

James Tolbert, 75, of Albany died Monday at his home. He was born in Long Beach, Calif., the son of Allen and Lora Anne Foley Tolbert. He was raised in Long Beach and Shreveport, La.

James entered the U.S. Army in 1953 and served in Germany during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge he moved to Stockton, Calif.

James married Rita Maria Kutcher on June 7, 1956, in Frankfurt, Germany. They returned to Germany with their family in 1964 and lived there until 1973. They moved to San Louis Obispo, Calif., where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Cal Poly. In 1976, they moved to Albany where James taught at Linn-Benton Community College for 20 years until retiring.

He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, Kiwanis, Friendship Force, Boy Scouts of America, and a former member of the Portland Chapter of the International House of Printing Craftsmen. James and Rita traveled extensively after retirement through Friendship Force, including many trips to Russia.

James is survived by his wife, Rita Tolbert of Albany; daughters Frances Severson of Oregon City and Patricia Tolbert-Otto of Estacada; son Allen Tolbert of Albany; three grandchildren; and his mother, Lora Anne Staup of Albany. His father preceded him in death.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 29, at the United Presbyterian Church, Albany.

Contributions can be made to the Boy Scouts of America, LBCC Foundation, or United Presbyterian Church, c/o Fisher Funeral Home, 306 S.W. Washington, Albany, OR 97321. www.fisherfuneralhome.com.