James Edward Belling, formerly of Bainbridge Island, died on Feb. 15 in Portland, Ore. He was 65.

He was born on June 3, 1943, to John and Dorothy Belling. He grew up on Bainbridge, later living mostly in the Northwest and briefly in New Mexico, spending the last several years in Glenwood Springs, Colo.

He graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1961, earned an associate’s degree of science at Olympic College, and bachelor’s degree in music at Cornish College of the Arts. He was a teacher at Strawberry Hill Alternative High School and a mediation instructor. He was also a fisherman, served in U.S. Army Intelligence, and was a master builder/designer.

Music was his passion. He sang in the Aspen Chorale, sang barbershop music and composed a symphony that was performed at Symphony in the Valley in Carbondale, Colo., in 2007.

James and Margaret Houck had four children together, Melanie (Chris) Vilburn of Japan; Jennifer (Ibrahim) Ciftcioglu of Salt Lake City, Utah; and Rachel and Daniel, both of the Northwest. He is also survived by grandchildren Sarah, Ashley, Thomas, Hope, Justin, Emily and Beau; brothers David (Marjorie) and Dick (Alma); and sister Beverly. He is also survived by three nieces and five nephews.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 3 p.m. March 7 at the Port Madison Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, with a potluck to follow.