PHOENIX -- The body of a 70-year-old man was recovered from a burning home early Sunday in Chandler.

Jim Storts was working in his garage near Alma School Road and Chandler Boulevard when the blaze broke out, his family said.

His wife, Marilyn, said he had put her to bed before it happened. She said it sounded like an explosion.

Storts was beloved in the community and well known, his wife said.

Besides his wife, he leaves behind two children, three grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

Storts built model airplanes and had plans to fly with his buddies on Sunday

Marilyn Storts said he was the kind of person who did what was needed, when it was needed, whether for her or strangers.

"I don't think it's really even set in," she said. "Today is Sunday, he should be down flying."

The couple had been married for 44 years. They own Storts Security, an alarm system company.

Marilyn Storts said they will still be able to serve customers.

A memorial service is planned for Thursday.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.