Walkin’ Jim is widely known throughout the U.S. for his unique combination of long-distance hiking, original songwriting, and photography.  Jim was an adventurer, artist, poet, photographer, author, and environmental activist.

In his lifetime, he accomplished numerous long-distance treks including the complete lengths of the Pacific Crest Trail, the Appalachian Trail, an east to west cross-continent hike, the entire U.S. Continental Divide, trips from Yellowstone to the Yukon, and many others.  In total, he hiked over 28,000 miles of long-distance trips.

When not on a long trip, Walkin’ Jim could be found on any of the many trails in southwest Montana for a day hike with family and friends.  He was also an avid cross-country skier. Jim also enjoyed wilderness travels by canoe.

Between trips, Jim would create, produce and perform original shows of his travels with photography and music, always incorporating his keen sense of environmental awareness and justice for all things wild.  His musical, hiking, and environmental career spanned 45 years.

Jim was born in Royal Oak, MI,  June 8, 1953, to Wilbur and Audra Stoltz.  He graduated high school from Royal Oak – Kimball High School.

Walkin’ Jim began playing the guitar when he was in the 4th grade.  He performed in several bands during the 1970s. He attained his love for the outdoors and hiking beginning with the Boy Scouts.  His first long-distance hike was on the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine in 1973.

The following year, Jim began his Ocean to Ocean walk beginning in West Quodyhead, ME, and ending on the Olympic Pennisula, WA.   The entire trip followed dirt roads, railroad tracks, and trails.

Jim’s first recording was “Spirit is Still on the Run,” in 1986.  He also recorded, “Forever Wild,” “Listen to the Earth,” “The Long Trails,” and many others.  Walkin’ Jim produced over eight musical albums and one music video for children, “Come Walk With Me.”

Jim was an accomplished poet.  His poetry was published as, “Whisper Behind the Wind.” Walkin’ Jim wrote a book, “Walking with the Wild Wind: Reflections on a Montana Journey,” highlighting his inspirational travels and wilderness philosophy.

Jim also discovered his talent for painting. He developed an extensive array of work in oils specializing in interpretive environmental themes.  He liked to work in the medium of oil-based cattle markers on canvas. Many of his paintings reflected themes from his songs and poetry.

Walkin’ Jim founded Music United to Sustain the Environment (MUSE) with Craig Wagner, and Joyce Rouse.  MUSE was a group of professional touring musicians who are concerned about the health of our planet. Many of them draw their inspiration from the land, and feel the need to give something back toward protecting it. Walkin’ Jim stood at the forefront of many environmental causes throughout the U.S.

Jim helped with the planning and design of several trails throughout the American Southwest.  A short segment of U.S. Forest Service trail in northern Arizona was recently created and named the Walkin’ Jim Trail.

To spread his love of people and song, Jim was employed for nearly 30 winter seasons at Lone Mountain Ranch, Big Sky, MT, driving horse-drawn sleighs to festive dinners where he performed his extensive repertoire of music.

Jim’s life is richly entwined by a web of countless dear friends, including thousands of children throughout the country who have learned and loved his stories and songs.

Walkin’ Jim is survived by his true friend Leslie Stoltz, Big Sky, MT, brother Mark Stoltz(Joshua, Abram, Randi Lyn), Honor, MI, and sister’s Susan Grace Stoltz, of Fairbanks, AK, and Lisa Mohr(Jessica Krueger, Sarah Krueger-Craft, James Krueger), Wixom, MI, and many nieces and nephews.

Jim’s life work and dreams centered on his desire to share the beauty, the unique character, the mood, and the value of wilderness through his music, writings, art, and activism.  He leaves a special and enduring legacy to his family, friends, and innumerable list of fans. A legacy directing all of us to live lives of happiness while sharing in and protecting all things wild.

Our master troubadour and dear friend fought a heroic battle with cancer in Helena, MT.  He was 57 years old.

To learn more about Walkin' Jim and his legacy visit www.walkinjim.com.